Charles Ernest Pritchard

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