Charles Bradburn Powis, Age 20

Private, 7th Battalion, King's Shropshire Light Infantry.

K.S.L.I Regiment Cap Badge.

Charles was the son of the late Benjamin & Clara Powis and had lived at 21 New Town, Dawley. His father had originally come from Birmingham and was a mechanic by trade. He also had two brothers one being a year older than himself (Benjamin) and the second brother being a year younger (Baden Powell Powis).

He was with his battalion when on the 23rd October 1918 during the Battle of the Selle the 8th Brigade lead by the Royal Scots assaulting with the Royal Scottish Fusiliers in support and the 7th KSLI in reserve attacked the German positions at 6am. The Scots gained their objectives and at 2. 30pm the 7th KSLI continued the advance and by 5pm had captured the final objective.

The battalion were relieved at 2am on the 24th of October but where then the advance guard of the next push towards the village of Ruesnes and the Le Quesnoy - Valenciennes Railway line, which was carried out by the 9th Brigade with the idea that the 7th battalion was to pass through and continue the advance. This attack was only partially successful and the railway line only reached with Ruesnes not falling until the 28th.

On the 26th October the 8th Brigade relieved the 9th and took over outpost duties over the frontline, they pushed forward observation posts but did not come into contact with the Germans. On the 28th October the 7th KSLI were relieved and marched back to billets at Romeries after 10 days continuous fighting, marching and holding the Line.

Charles must have been wounded during one of these actions as he was evacuated as far back as a base hospital on the French coast before he succumbed to his wounds on the 30th October 1918. He lies in the Terlincthun British Cemetery at Wimille in grave IX.A. 10.

What is also so sad for Charles and his family was that the above actions were to be the last that the 7th KSLI were to take part in during the War with the battalion at rest or training up to Armistice Day on November 11th 1918.

Inscription added to head stone by: Mrs. Clara Powis, 21, New Town, Dawley, Shropshire.

HE WHO GIVES HIS LIFE FOR HIS COUNTRY IS WORTHY OF REMEMBRANCE

WWI Medal Rolls Index Card

Commonwealth War Graves
Buried Terlincthun British Cemetery

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Victory Medal	British War Medal