Veteran Story: Charlie, who was underage at the onset of World War I, initially contributed to the war effort by assisting his father. In August 1917, he successfully enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF), declaring his age as 18. However, records from his later service in World War II reveal that he was only 16 when he joined the 1st Reinforcements Egypt. The 1st Reinforcements arrived in Egypt on 17 July 1918 and, after completing initial training, were integrated into the 11th Light Horse Regiment. According to the Australian War Memorial, this period marked the final phase of the regiment's activities in Egypt and Palestine:
In August, the regiment was equipped with swords and trained in conventional cavalry tactics in preparation for an upcoming offensive against Turkish forces, which commenced along the Palestine coast on 19 September 1918. The 11th Light Horse demonstrated tactical adaptability during the action at Semakh on 25 September by first charging Turkish positions on horseback with swords, then advancing on foot with rifles and bayonets to clear the town.
Semakh represented the regiment’s last major engagement of the war; the Turkish forces surrendered on 30 October 1918. While awaiting repatriation, the 11th Light Horse was recalled to suppress the Egyptian revolt that began in March 1919, restoring order in just over a month. The regiment departed for Australia on 20 July 1919.
Charles returned home to Australia on 28 August 1919 he had already acquired significant combat experience, and when war broke out again in 1939 he enlisted to serve his country.
