Charles James Shea

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Commonwealth War Grave_ Private Charles James Shea

RSL (Port Pirie Sub Branch) Inc.

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Charles James Shea was born in Crystal Brook, South Australia on 17th June 1893 to Cornelius Shea and Agnes Ann (nee’ Fisher) Shea.

Charles was educated at Crystal Brook Primary School and was employed as an engine cleaner with the State railways prior to enlisting on 26th April 1915.

Private Charles James Shea, Service Number 2690, 2690a embarked for overseas with the 8th Reinforcements /10th Infantry Battalion from Adelaide on 2nd September 1915 aboard HMAT Anchises. 

He joined the 10th Infantry Battalion at Gallipoli in November 1915 and after returning to Egypt, he transferred to the 50th Infantry Battalion in February 1916. The 50th Battalion was newly formed where about half were new recruits and the other half were those who had already seen action in the 10th Battalion. 

After arriving in France in June 1916, Charles continued to serve with the 50th Battalion suffering Venereal Disease and Trench Feet across 3 months. He was killed in action near Westhoek, Belgium on 26th September 1917. The 50th Battalion War Diary states: 

“On advancing under barrage troops in a few instances moved too close and casualties were sustained a few also being caused by short shooting of some batteries.”

Charles was buried in the Tyne Cot Cemetery, Passchendaele, Western Flanders, Belgium. 

Older brother, Lance Corporal Cornelius Patrick Shea, Service Number 3202 also of the 50th Infantry Battalion was killed in action at Noreuil, France on 2nd April 1917 and buried in the Noreuil Australian Cemetery, France.

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