Back to Book dedicated to the memory of 2nd Lt C W N Garstin, 9L KIA 24.8.1914 including 23 photographs, and a brief account of his life
Photographs
Item 0017
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Image details
| Accession number | 912L : 2239 |
|---|---|
| Transcription |
There is a regimental water colour sketch of him in full dress uniform ; whilst in one corner of the picture he is represented in boxer's kit having just successfully floored his man . When war was declared in 1914 the 2nd Cavalry Brigade , in which were the IX Lancers , was amongst the earliest to get orders for active service with the Expeditionary Force . When actually awaiting the order to start Charlie's father went to Tidworth to see him before leaving . When saying good - bye to his Squadron Leader , Major Victor Brooke , the latter said to his father , " we'll take care of Charlie , Sir William " . Alas ! he was killed on the first day the Regiment was in action , August 23rd , whilst Charlie himself was killed on the second day , the 24th . Charlie wrote two letters to his father on arrival at the seat of war , both full of impatience to get to the Front and expressing great fears that they might be too late for the expected battle which he , like other young enthusiasts , thought would probably finish the campaign . After Major Victor Brooke's death , Capt . Francis Grenfell became Charlie's Squadron Leader , and in a letter to his father wrote that on August 23rd Charlie " Had a nasty job with the " squadron street fighting and did it so well . He was under a " hot fire with the squadron for some time and himself picked " up a rifle and shot three Germans . " The famous charge at Andregnies , near Mons , took place on the morning of August 24th and Col. Campbell who commanded the Regiment , wrote to Charlie's father that he was missing , but that as no one saw him killed they had every hope that as his horse had been seen to swerve badly he might have been thrown and taken prisoner . For thirteen days there was no news but on the 9th September , Lieut . Gallagher , 4th Dragoon Guards also of the 2nd Cavalry Brigade , who had been taken prisoner in the charge but managed to escape , reached England and reported to the War Office * N. B. Major Victor Broeke was not killed but died whilst attached to Fren eh Headquarters at Compiegne . |
