Charles Jacob Mildren

Charles Jacob Mildren was born in 1896 in Wabba, Victoria, to Edward King Mildren and Margaret, nee Grant. 

On 28th February 1916, he enlisted at Melbourne, Victoria. At the time, he was a single, 20-year-old labourer from Corryong, Victoria. He was allocated Regimental Number 519 and placed in B Company of the 39th Battalion. Charles gave his next of kin as his mother, Margaret Mildren. After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A11 Ascanius at Melbourne, Victoria, on 27th May 1916.

During his enlistment period, he was also a member of the 10th Light Trench Mortar Battery and 39th Battalion, being transferred on 22nd November 1916 and 9th March 1919, respectively. On 27th May 1919, he returned to Australia aboard HT Rio Pardo, with the rank of Corporal. He was discharged on 17th August 1919, being awarded the Military Medal, British War Medal and Victory Medal for his service during the war.

On 20 December 1917, the Commonwealth Gazette No. 219 included a description of the action for which Charles was awarded the Military Medal.

'On the 7th/8th and 9th June, 1917, during operations south of MESSINES, this man on his N.C.O. being killed assumed command of the Stokes Mortar Gun team and pushed onto his objective. Subsequently the members of his team became casualties and he then organised a new team from the ranks of the infantry. The new men also became casualties but Private MILDREN remained by his gun, although subjected to intense artillery and machine gun fire. He showed great courage and determination throughout.'

Charles passed away on 12th January 1975 at Corryong, Victoria and was buried in Corryong Cemetery.