A FINE "FRONT LINE ATTACK & BATTLE CITATION"
MILITARY CROSS & 1914-15 TRIO
with "HOME GUARD" DEFENCE MEDAL. (1940-1945)

To: 515 L/Cpl - 2/Lt C.H. WARD. 7th Bn EAST SURREY Regt.

Wounded & Promoted from the Ranks in 1917.

[THE MEDALS]
MILITARY CROSS
London Gazette: 27th October 1917
(Citation: L.G. 18th March 1918)

Temp 2/Lieut C.H. WARD.
att: East Surrey Regt.

"For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, he took command of his company in an attack and led them forward, though his right flank flank was unprotected, and reached his objective, clearing a wood of the enemy as he advanced. He turned his right flank and ensured the safety of the flank of the brigade. His courage and coolness inspired his men with confidence in difficult circumstances and under heavy fire."

1914-1915 Star: 515. L.Cpl C.H. WARD. E.SURR:R.

War & Victory Medals: 2/Lt. C.H. WARD.



[BIOGRAPHY]
Charles 'Charlie' Harold Ward was born on 1st August 1892 at Princess Street, Camberley, Frimley, Surrey. Charlie's father, Edward David Ward, was then a Mess Waiter at the nearby Army Staff College.
Charlie joined the army at age 22 in August 1914 at Kingston on Thames and after training at Aldershot he proceeded to France with 7th Bn East Surrey Regt on 1st June 1915 with an arrival at Boulogne on 2nd June. He was serving at the rank of Lance Corporal when he entered France but was soon promoted to Sergeant clearly being seen as a very competent and well thought of soldier.

He was wounded at some time after receiving his commission, which was granted in 1917. We have a picture of him in a dressing gown among a group of fellow officer patients in a military hospital. The ward is decorated with large British Summer flowers and palm leaves so we feel this was probably a well established UK unit, probably Aldershot Military Hospital.

He was commissioned 2/Lt on 27th June 1917 at age 24.

After the war at age 26 on 17th May 1919 he married the 22 year old Winifred Rose Ward (nee Stock) of Bristol, at the Baptist Chapel in Broadmead, Bristol. He is still recorded as a serving officer in the Army List of 31st December 1919.

["DAD's ARMY",THE HOME GUARD 1940-1945]




After the war, Mr Ward worked as a manager and resided at 31 Beresford Road, Reading, Berkshire from where he claimed his medals in 1920. During WW2 he served as second in command of his Home Guard Unit. He is seen here wearing his MC ribbon and medal bar.

[LIFE BETWEEN THE WARS .....A HERO ON HOLIDAY]
Mr Ward & Family on hoiday in Margate in about 1935.


He finally went into business on his own account and became a grocer.
He latterly lived at 6, Dalebury Road, Wandsworth.

He died age 75 at Brompton Hospital on 16th January 1968 of Bronchial Pneumonia, respiratory complications & associated heart problems.
















A TRULY EXCELLENT & FULLY DOCUMENTED "BATTLE CITATION" MILITARY CROSS. Awarded to a valiant soldier who despite wounding, rose through the ranks to achieve a commission and a gallantry award.

Comes complete with many military & family photos, personal papers and his original 1917 officers' commission scroll. Also his birth, death & marriage certificates.

A Superb Assembly to the Much Sought After East Surrey Regt.

£2750