Charles Imber

Regimental number: 1623 Rank: Sergeant

Died of Wounds (DOW) 23 August 1916

Charles Imber was born in 1883 in Bishopsgate, London to Charles and Annie Imber. He immigrated to Australia in 1908 and married Elizabeth Ann Westlake. They went to live in Commercial Road, Bulimba. They had 2 children when 31 year old shoeing smith Charles enlisted on 28 August 1914 in Brisbane.

Charles had 12 years previous military service in England. He was promoted to Corporal Shoeing Smith and to Farrier Sergeant by the time he embarked from Australia on the 25 September 1914 on board the “HMAT Rangatira” A22 in the 3rd Field Brigade. He served on the Gallipoli Peninsula from the 4th April 1915 for four months. Charles was transferred to France where he was hospitalised with malaria. He was sent back to battle but was wounded in action with a gunshot to his abdomen and a fractured thigh. He died of his wounds two days later on the 23 August 1916 and was buried in the Warloy-Baillon Communal Cemetery extension, Picardie, France.

In August 1917, Elizabeth Ann received a package containing Charles’ personal effects which contained 1 pen knife, 1 belt, 1 purse and 1 small horse shoe, later receiving another parcel with 3 handkerchiefs, badges, colours, chevrons and 2 writing pads. In 1921, Elizabeth Ann also received her husband’s 1914/1915 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal; a Memorial Scroll and Memorial Plaque; and several photographs of his grave.

Elizabeth Ann’s mother lived in Thynne Road Morningside and he was the nephew of Alexander and George Imber.