Charles Keith Douglas was born on 23rd November
1897 in Queenstown Tasmania to Archibald and Helen Douglas (nee
O’Connor”). He was a railway clerk who departed Melbourne 18th
February 1916 on board “HMAT Ballarat” with the 12th Infantry Battalion.
He was admitted to the 1st Australian Field Ambulance 15th 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 6th 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.
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