Tasmanian War Casualties

WW1

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Douglas, Charles Keith

Born 23^rd November 1897 Queenstown Tasmania to Archibald and Helen Douglas (nee O’Connor”) a railway clerk who departed Melbourne 18^th February 1916 on board “HMAT Ballarat” with the 12^th Infantry Battalion.

He was admitted to the 1^st Australian Field Ambulance 15^th March 1918 with shell wounds to chest, neck and left hand and also a piece had penetrated his brain – he died the same day and was later buried in the Kemmel Chateau Military Cemetery, Belgium.

Very sincere regret was expressed yesterday when it was learned that Private C. K. Douglas, youngest son of Mr. Arch. Douglas Council Clerk, Queenstown had been killed in action in France. The word was not official, but came from Captain Chaplain W. K. Douglas, a brother of the young soldier, who is in France at the present time. The message, which was despatched from Boulogne, conveyed the bare statement that Private C. Douglas was killed in action on March 15, the message being received by the Rector of St. Martin's (Rev. W. G. Thomas). Private Douglas enlisted towards the end of 1915, and left Australia, on or about February 19th I916. He was in Egypt for a few months, and left there for England on June 6^th arriving in England some 15 or 16 days later, where he remained in camp for some little time, ultimately reaching the firing line towards the end of August, 1916. He had seen fairly continuous service since that time. He was in his 18th year when he offered his services, and went cheerfully to do his duty for King and country. Besides being prominent in all patriotic efforts, he took a keen interest in the Queenstown State School and each year since leaving school gave prizes for the boy or girl gaining the highest number of marks. Last year he gave a prize for the boy and girl who gained the highest number of marks in the qualifying examination. These prizes were presented quite recently by Warden Lawson. For some time prior to enlisting he took an active part in Sunday school work at St. Martin's where he filled the position of secretary with much satisfaction. He was a worthy son of a worthy sire, the wholehearted public spiritedness of the father being exemplified in the son. Flags were half masted at the Council Chambers and the State school on the receipt of the sad news. Mr. Douglas’ four sons offered their services, Lieutenant A. Douglas being the first of the Queenstown boys to return wounded. He has long since rejoined his regiment on active service in France. Private Harry Douglas who served at the front a considerable time, has returned permanently disabled. Rev W K. Douglas is at the front where he ministers to the needs of the men as chaplain. All join in sincere sympathy with Mr. Douglas in his irreparable, yet proud, loss.

Zeehan and Dundas Herald 22^nd March 1918

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Tasmanian War Casualties, Honouring the past, building understanding.