Additional information and photographs
Charles Ballard enlisted as Private in the 8th Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment, at Cardiff on 1 September 1914, having
previously served as a territorial soldier. His height is recorded as 5 feet 4 and three-quarter inches, weight 124 pounds,
chest 34" (expansion 2"). Ballard served at home until joining the BEF in France on 24 July 1915, by which time he had risen
through the ranks to Company Quarter Master Sergeant. He was commissioned as 2nd Lieutenant on 1 August 1916 and posted to
the 7th Battalion. On 3 May 1917 he was wounded but remained at duty. (C W Ballard, Army Service Record (PRO, WO 339/68315).
The award of the Military Cross to Charles Ballard was listed in the London Gazette Volume III 1917, one of four awarded to officers of his Battalion
for action in the Battle of Arras. From the regimental history it is possible to trace
his career after he joined the
7th Battalion: he commanded "C" Company at Guedecourt, "A" Company at Arras, and "C" Company at Cambrai. It was in the
fighting at Cambrai that he was killed, on 25 November 1917.
He is also commemorated on the Royal Sussex Regiment Memorial
in St George's Chapel, Chichester Cathedral. (History of 7th (Service) Battalion Royal Sussex Regiment 1914-1919)
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