Company Sergeant Major Charles Aubin Le Gros. M.M.
13th Battalion, Canadian Infantry (Quebec Regiment)
01/10/1918

Miltary Medal

Eldest son of the late Mr John Clarence Le Gros of The Homestead, Vallee des Vaux, St Helier, Jersey

Killed in Action aged 33 years

"On Aug: 15th to 17th 1917, after his Officer had been wounded, he led his platoon on to their objective, and directed the work of consolidation.

When this position became untenable owing to the very heavy barrage dropped by the enemy, he immediately collected his platoon and moved them forward to a safer position. By his initiative and courage in exposing himself to all personal risk, he undoubtedly save the lives of many in his platoon." (A.F.W. 3121 3-9-17).

Canadian attestation papers

 

NEWS ITEM in Jersey Evening Post of Monday 25 March 1918

Another Memorable Town Hall Ceremony - Two Jersey Heroes Honoured. The spacious Town Hall was crowded to its utmost capacity last evening when two gallant Jerseymen, Quarter Master Sergeant W de la Mare and Sergeant C A Le Gros, who have both been awarded the Military Medal, were honoured with a public reception and presentation. The heroes of the evening were accorded a rousing reception as they proceeded up the hall with the official party, which included the Constable of St Helier and many other dignitaries. The Constable in the course of a most interesting and inspiring speech referring to the heroes made reference to QSM William de la Mare's bravery and went on to say "the next hero we have to honour is Sergeant Charles Aubin Le Gros of the Royal Highlanders of Canada. After residing in England for some time this hero proceeded to Canada in 1912, where he joined the Canadian Volunteers in response to the call. He was awarded the Military Medal for good work performed on 15 August 1917, this was during the taking of Hill 70. The officer in charge of the party to which the Sergeant was attached became a casualty immediately after he had climbed the parapet and the Sergeant realising the situation rallied his men and assumed charge of the attacking party. This act meant the consolidation of our line and the maintenance of communication with the troops on his left flank, a very important matter. The Sergeant's party held their position tenaciously and at a severe loss, our gallant lads entered the fray 45 strong and emerged there from 22 strong. It was a test of endurance and our men proved worthy". The Constable went on to say that the welcome for the two heroes was not representative of the present gathering only but of the Island as a whole. The Constable then, amidst prolonged applause, handed each hero a gold wristlet watch and parchment. Sergeant Le Gros and Quarter Master Sergeant de la Mare in reply assured the audience that they felt very proud to belong to the Island of Jersey, what they had done had been a matter of duty but they appreciated very much the honour paid them. Cheers for the heroes and the singing of the National Anthem brought the proceedings to a conclusion.

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Record