Dates:
Autumn 1894 to 28 July 1918
War Service:
Major CHARLES EDWARD FYSH DSO MC*of the 6th battalion Seaforth Highlanders was killed on 28 July 1918 at Chaumuzy on the Marne while holding the rank of Acting Lieutenant Colonel. He was 23. He joined the Seaforth Highlanders on the outbreak of war from his university Officer Training Corps.
The London Gazette of 24 July 1917 carries the citation for his first Military Cross : “ For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in leading his company in a successful counter-attack upon the enemy. He afterwards personally reconnoitred and cleared up the situation in front of his line, taking command of another company which had lost its commander and establishing strong posts and communication with both flanks. His promptness and initiative were most marked. ”
His second MC was Gazetted on 23 July 1918 :”For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. It was mainly owing to this officer's courage and determination in command of a company that the line held throughout two days' fighting. He continued his fine work during the three following days, constantly exposed to machine-gun fire, and by encouraging his men inflicting heavy losses on the enemy.
The citation for his Distinguished Service Order Gazetted on 13 September 1918 reads : “For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in command of his battalion in action. He displayed great capabilities for organisation, rallying men of other units and leading them forward through heavy fire to posts from which they were able to inflict severe loss on the enemy. He made repeated reconnaissances to the front and flanks, regardless of his own safety, and on one occasion it was mainly due to his good work that the enemy failed to effect a crossing over a canal.”
He is buried in the churchyard of the village of St Imoges near Epernay
Location of Memorial:
He is remembered on the memorials at Lee Methodist Church and at Grantoun-on-Spey.
Details:
He was born in the autumn of 1894 the son of the late E. T. Fysh and Mrs A. Fysh, of Lee and the husband of Helen Flora Jean Fysh of Craggan House, Grantown-on-Spey.
Source:
Contributed By: Andy Pepper
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