Charles Halford PLATT

Regimental number7066
Date of birth1891
Place of birthBlakeville, Victoria
ReligionChurch of England
OccupationButtermaker
AddressBacchus Marsh, Victoria
Marital statusSingle
Age at embarkation24
Next of kinFather, C H Platt, Grant Street, Bacchus Marsh, Victoria
Enlistment date27 October 1916
Date of enlistment from Nominal Roll27 October 1916
Rank on enlistmentPrivate
Unit name14th Battalion, 23rd Reinforcement
AWM Embarkation Roll number23/31/4
Embarkation detailsUnit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board HMAT A7 Medic on 16 December 1916
Rank from Nominal RollSergeant
Unit from Nominal Roll45th Battalion
Recommendations (Medals and Awards)

Military Medal


Awarded on 25 May 1918, Divisional Routine Orders No.490.
Recommendation date: 22 April 1918

Bar to Military Medal


Recommendation date: 25 September 1918"

FateReturned to Australia 2 June 1919
Medals

Military Medal

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty on south edge of Hebuterne on 11th April 1918. After heavy enemy barrage on our line at dawn which was followed by no infantry action this N.C.O. carried out a daring daylight patrol to ascertain enemy's intentions. Amongst other valuable information he definitely located a strong hostile post, and, returning ranged our trench mortars on this post, which was destroyed. He then pushed out, again and established a valuable forward block from which we were later able to inflict casualties. His energy and initiative were responsible for a successful little operation.'
Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 15
Date: 4 February 1919

Bar to Military Medal


Source: 'Commonwealth Gazette' No. 115
Date: 10 October 1919

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty near ASCENSION WOOD on 18th September, 1918. As N.C.O. in charge of a bombing section he displayed the greatest possible skill and showed utter contempt for danger. Prior to the final objective being taken he led his section in an endeavour to clear the system of enemy trenches. In this he was only partly successful because owing to his party becoming casualties he was forced to form a block before the whole system was cleared. This he did single handed. Later in the evening when the advance was continued he again gallantly led a bombing party against an enemy post. This he successfully reduced taking four prisoners and 3 machine guns, the remainder of the enemy fleeing. He then pushed on until he got in touch with the Company on his flank. Throughout his work was of the highest order, his great personal courage and skill as a bomber having almost inspiring effect on the morale of his men.'

Family/military connectionsBrother: Private William Henry PLATT, Regimental No. 2017, 7th Battalion, returned to Australia 29 January 1916
Other details

Son of Charles Henry and Annie (nee Foss) Platt who were married in Ballarat, Victoria in 1888.

War service: Western Front

Medals: Military Medal & Bar, British War Medal, Victory Medal
Date of death16 March 1951
Age at death58
Place of burialBallarat, Victoria