Charles Hale joined the Devonshire Regiment, 1st Battalion circa 1909, he was born in Kingsbridge, Devon,but moved to Plymouth where his father was working in Devonport Dockyard. He was the eldest son of Charles and Elizabeth Hale and had one brother and four sisters. From 1911 until 1914 he served with the regiment in Jersey until it was recalled in August 1914, he landed at Le Havre with his regiment on 21 August. Here they served with the 8th Brigade, transferring to 14th Brigade at the beginning of October. The regiment was fighting as part of the Line of Communication between the French and British Armies. Charles lost his life near Givenchy, one of two men who died on that day, which was a fairly quiet day. He has no known grave, but is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial and in the Roll of Honour book situated in the Devonshire Regiment Chapel in Exeter Cathedral. In his will he left his effects to a young lady in Jersey so I am glad to know that he was loved by someone other than his family and had found happiness.

Heather Roche