Picture courtesy of Harpers
[MM LG 3.7.17 (likely Battle of the Scarpe, Arras)]
QSA (5) CC OFS Tr 01 02 (5679 Boy C Gillespie Scottish Rifles)
[BWM]
[VM]
[SWB]
Charles Gillespie was born in Aldershot on 12th December 1882 and was educated at the Royal Military School. He attested for the 2nd Battalion Scottish Rifles on 12th December 1896, aged 14. He later served as a Bandsman but deserted in September 1906 only rejoining his regiment on 27th June 1916. He was posted to the 3rd Battalion and served in France from February 1917 with the 9th Battalion, being promoted Serjeant on 17th March 1917 and awarded the Military Medal. Serjeant Gillespie was wounded, invalided home and subsequently discharged on 24th August 1917 being no longer fir for war service. Amazingly he re-enlisted in the Chinese Labour Corps on 31st July 1919, noting his occupation as Chauffeur, and served on until 1920.