Charles George Rogan

Charles George Rogan was born on 2nd April 1888 in Horsham, Victoria, to Nicholas John Rogan and Henrietta, nee Montague.

On the 31st August 1916, he enlisted at Tallangatta, Victoria. At the time, he was a single, 26-year-old accountant living in Corryong, Victoria. He was allocated Regimental Number 5818 and placed in the 16th Reinforcements for the 22nd Battalion. Charles gave his next of kin as his father, Nicholas. After initial training, he embarked on HMAT A71 Nestor at Melbourne, Victoria, on 2nd October 1916.

He disembarked at Plymouth, England and was placed in the 6th Training Battalion. After three months of further training, he marched into the 2nd Australian Base Depot at Etaples, France. He was taken on strength with the 22nd Battalion.

On 3rd May, he was wounded in action by a gunshot wound to the head. He was admitted to the 3rd Australian Casualty Clearing Station before being evacuated back to England. He would not be attached back to duty until 28th August 1917 and would rejoin the 22nd Battalion until 26th May 1918.

Within two months of being back with the battalion, Charles was wounded in action again, this time having been gassed. He would be away from his unit for another month, rejoining them on 31st August. The battalion returned to action in early October 1918. Charles was wounded for the third time with gunshot wounds to his right side and buttocks. It was in this action that he would be awarded the Military Medal. His citation for the Military Medal described the circumstances under which he earned it.

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at ESTHEES, East of PERONNE on the night 3-3/10/18. This man was acting as a runner and repeatedly penetrated the very heavy enemy barrage to deliver despatches to the Coy Commanders. When the two leading Companies were held up by very heavy machine gun fire and all the telephone wires were cut, Rogan with another man volunteered to carry a despatch to the Coy Commanders. They left the trench and went over the open under intense machine gun fire. His companion was killed but Rogan pushed on and delivered the despatch showing splendid determination. While returning this man was severely wounded, but struggled down to the report centre and delivered his return message before having his injuries attended to.”

On 31st March, 1919, he returned to Australia aboard HMAT A62 Wandilla, with the rank of Private. He was discharged on 13th September 1919, being awarded the Military medal, the British War Medal and the Victory Medal for his service during the war.

Charles married Wilhemina Halbert Lyons in May 1929 at St. Andrew’s Church, Bendigo, Victoria. The couple moved to Moama, Victoria, where Charles worked in hhis fathers’ store. He became involved in the Moama Council, and reports from the Riverine Herald indicate that the couple were active in hardcourt tennis and gardening. In 1935, the couple's son, Charles Peter, was born. He passed away on 6th August 1965 in Moama.