Charles Ernest Pritchard

Submitted by Mt Kembla Minin... on Sat, 27/02/2016 - 16:21

First Name:

Charles

Middle Name:

Ernest

Last Name:

Pritchard

Date of Birth:

Sunday, August 14, 1892

Mother's Name:

Elizabeth Pritchard nee Veigel

Father's Name:

Alfred Pritchard

Date Enlisted:

Friday, December 10, 1915

Rank at Enlistment:

Sapper

Rank at Discharge:

Sapper

Unit:

1st Pioneer Battalion

Service:

Infantry

Awards:

British War Medal

Victory Medal

Place of Death:

Balmain, N.S.W.

Details:

Charles Pritchard (Service No 5202) was born in Bulli, N.S.W.

When the Waratah March came through Bulli Charles enlisted. He was 23 years old, single, and worked as a miner.

Charles embarked on from Sydney SS Makarini with 16th Reinforcements, 1st Battalion on 1st April 1916. He arrived in France on 17th May 1916 and joined 1st Pioneer Battalion soon after.

He served on the Western Front until 21st October 1917 when he was wounded in action and evacuated to hospital in England for treatment of multiple wounds to his chest and right hand.

After he recovered, Charles returned to France, joining his unit on 17th April 1918. On 18th September 1918 he was wounded a second time. He was again evacuated to hospital in England, this time for treatment of a gun shot wound to his face. Charles was sent to Queens Hospital for specialist plastic surgery to his face. Recovery was slow and he did not return to Australia until May 1919.

Charles returned as an invalid and was not discharged until 16th April 1920.

In 1925 he married Julia Matzen in Glebe, N.S.W.

Charles' brother, Arthur, also served.

Sources:

NAA: B2455, PRITCHARD CHARLES ERNEST