Image: Lake Saskatoon with the lake in the background. The caption on the back of the photograph states: “Peace River Trading Co. Ltd trading post at Lake Saskatoon, Grande Prairie section of Peace River district, Northern Alberta. Lake Saskatoon in background. October 3 – 1917. V. Lloyd-Owen.”
Rank: Captain
Branch: 5th (City of London) Battalion, The London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade); Royal Berkshire Regiment
Charles was born in England on August 3, 1887. Charles came to Lake Saskatoon with Hugh Speke and Professor Green in 1912. They were Anglican missionaries and served in the church at Lake Saskatoon. In 1914, all three men returned to England to serve with the British Army. Charles was the only one of the three men to survive the war, although he was severely wounded. Charles was awarded the Military Cross “For conspicuous gallantry and ability on 13th May, 1915, when in charge of a trench to the east of Ypres. The troops on his right having been compelled to fall back owing to the destruction of their trench, Lieutenant Trevelyan with great skill reorganised the defence of his position and, although unsupported, succeeded in maintaining the safety of our line at a very critical time.” In 1919, Charles graduated with a Master of Arts degree from Oxford. He served in churches in various parts of England until 1943. Charles married Maude Dorothe Dixey on December 30, 1930. They had two sons and two daughters. Charles died on March 24, 1974.
Sources: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 98; GP Herald Sept 9, 1913 p. 3 c. 1; Feb 17, 1914 p. 1 c. 2; March 3 1914 p. 1 c. 2; July 20 1915 p. 6 c. 5
- Arrives in Grande Prairie (Aug. 19, 1913)
- Grande Prairie Honour Roll
- Medal Card
- Mention in “Rolling Around the World”
- Commemorative Plaque (excellent biographical and military information in photograph description)
Soldier Spotlight highlights veterans from the Archives’ online Soldiers’ Memorial. Each week, our volunteers select a remarkable individual to showcase in this blog series. The Soldiers’ Memorial commemorates more than 1,100 WWI veterans and 2,300 WWII veterans from our region. Three dedicated volunteers have contributed over 1,200 hours to this project by researching and writing biographies. Our goal is to have all South Peace soldiers acknowledged for their service. If you know of someone who lived in the South Peace and should be listed on the Memorial, or would like to get involved by researching a local veteran, please contact the Archives.