Charles Edward High

A Private with the 2/4th Battalion, Charles died on 20th of September 1917 at the age of 32. 

Charles was born at Corton in 1885, a son of John and Mary A. High. In 1891 his family lived at High Street, Corton, and they were still living at High Street 1901, by which time Charles was working as a gardener. In 1911 Charles was living at Crown Point Gardens, Trowse, Norwich, and working as a domestic gardener. 

Charles was living at Offley, Hertfordshire, and working as a gardener, when he married Elsie Walpole at Saint Margaret's Church, Lowestoft, on 15 February 1914. Elsie's home was at 141 Saint Margaret's Road, Lowestoft.

Charles was living at Luton when he joined the Army. Initially he served with the 1/5th Bedfordshire Regiment, number 5858 and was in Egypt from 1 February 1916 to 23 March 1916. He was then posted to the 1/4th Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, number 240160 and served in France from 17 July 1917. On 18 August 1917 he was transferred to the 2/4th Battalion London Regiment, number 295339.

On 18 September 1917 the 2/4th Battalion moved to positions north-east of St. Julien, Belgium, in preparation for an attack. The Battalion began their attack on 20 September and all objectives were taken and held. On 21 September the Germans made counter-attacks, but were repulsed. Casualties on 20-21 September were 4 officers killed and seven wounded; 54 other ranks killed, 192 wounded and 21 missing. 

Charles received a battlefield burial at map reference D.7 A20. 90. In 1920 the graves near this position were excavated and Charles body was identified from his old Bedfordshire Regiment dog-tag. He was then reburied at Tyne Cot Cemetery.  

Note: several sources state that he served with the 4th London Regiment. The Army Register of Soldiers' Effects and original Commonwealth War Graves documents show that he was with the 2/4th Battalion London Regiment.