49599 Private Charles Caldwell
2nd Company 2nd Battalion
New Zealand Canterbury Regiment
13th December 1917
Born on 19/11/1893 in Otipua, Timaru, South Canterbury, New Zealand.
His parents were Alexander Caldwell(12/06/1859-30/03/1925) and Ellen Chivers(29/09/1866-22/06/1922). They were married in 1886.
Charles had 3 brothers, Frank(1886-31/08/1962), Harold(31/10/1891-28/08/1954) and George(1897-08/09/1960).
He also had a sister, Isabella(1888-22/05/1975).
Before he enlisted, Charles had previously served with the 2nd South Canterbury Territorial Infantry Regiment, whilst working for his father as a farm labourer.
Charles enlisted on 26/02/1917 at Timaru, details of his medical performed the same day are as follows;
Apparent Age - 23 years 3 months,
Height - 5ft 8 inches, Weight - 125lbs
Chest Measurement - Minimum - 31 inches Maximum - 331/2 inches, Complexion - Dark, Colour of Eyes - Brown, Colour of Hair - Dark, Religious Profession - Methodist.
Remarks - Accident to left knee when a child.
Slight Varicocele (an enlargement of the veins in
the scrotum).
On 13/03/1917, Charles was posted to C Company 27th reinforcements and then transferred to
C Company of 26th Reinforcements.
Whilst at Trentham, He was admonished(reprimanded) for overstaying his leave from 12/05/1917 to 15/05/1917.
Charles left New Zealand for England on 09/06/1917 from Wellington and arriving in England on 16/08/1917,
before marching into Sling Camp, Wiltshire the same day.
He went to France from Sling on 06/10/1917 and later on 25/10/1917, he joined his battalion at Rouen and was posted to 2nd Company.
Charles was killed in action on 13/12/1917.
He was awarded the 1914-1918 British War and Allied Victory medals.
Timaru Herald - 29 December 1917
"Caldwell- On Dec.13 "Somewhere in France" Charles, third son of Alexander and Ellen Caldwell, Otipua; aged 24 years."