Three: Private C. Wilson, 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, who was killed in action...

Three: Private C. Wilson, 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, who was killed in action during the Battle of La Bassée, 13 October 1914 1914 Star (7922 Pte C. Wilson. Dorset: R.); British War and Victory Medals (7922 Pte. C. Wilson. Dorset. R.); Memorial Plaque (Charles Wilson) generally very fine or better (4) £160-£200 --- Charles Wilson was born in Topcliffe, Yorkshire, and was the husband of Emilie Rainey (formerly Wilson), of 6 Oakdale Road, Longfleet, Poole, Dorset. He served during the Great War with the 1st Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment on the Western Front from 16 August 1914. Private Wilson was killed in action on the Western Front, 13 October 1914. On the latter date the Battalion were engaged during the Battle of La Bassée in front of Givenchy: ‘Took part in fighting along the La Bassée Canal (12-13th), advancing from positions along the Pont Fixe-La Plantin road and engaging enemy in front of Givenchy. Withdrew to Pont Fixe (13th). Casualties - Major Roper mortally wounded, Captain Davidson, Lieutenants J. A. F. Parkinson, Pitt, T. S. Smith killed, 7 officers wounded, 4 missing, 14 other ranks killed, 122 wounded, 280 missing. The bodies of some 130 of the latter were later found by a burial party. The war history of the Dorsetshire Regiment recalls how a number of Germans came forward from Givenchy carrying lances and were at first taken to be French cavalry. Another group, about a battalion, advanced with hands held up as if to surrender. The Battalion ceased fire in order to allow the men to come in, but upon reaching the Dorsethshire line, the Germans rushed their positions and opened fire.’ (British Battalions in France & Belgium 1914, by R. Westlake refers) Privant Wilson is commemorated on Le Touret Memorial, Pas de Calais, France.