Charles Stanley Lefevre

Charles arrived in France on the 14/09/1915. The Special Brigade - Despite the limited results achieved by the cloud gas discharge at Loos, it was believed sufficiently successful to warrant further development. One of the first acts of Sir Douglas Haig on his appointment as Commander-in-Chief was to request that the War Office expand the four Special Companies of the Royal Engineers into a more substantial force. 4 Special Battalions, each of 4 Companies, to handle gas discharge from cylinders and smoke from candles; 4 Special Companies to handle gas shells fired from 4-inch Stokes mortars. Each Company to have 48 such weapons; 4 Special Sections to handle flame projectors (throwers) plus a Headquarters and Depot, making all an establishment of 208 officers and 5306 men. This request was approved and the Brigade built up by adding volunteers from units already in France to the four original Companies. Later, drafts from England would join. The force was designated the Special Brigade. By the end of May 1916, No. 3 Battalion (less a Company) were allocated to Second Army. The Battalion consisted of 4 companies, J to M. The principal base in France was established at Helfaut. Charles was a prominent member of the St. John's Church Lads Brigade. He is also remembered on the Coatbridge Technical College, Coatbridge High School and St. John's Church Rolls of Honour (see photos) and also in the St. Augustine's Parish (book) Roll of Honour. See photos for Charles' Medal Index Card, his Newspaper clipping, his name on the Manchester Birth and Baptism Record, his name in the England and Wales Civil Registration Birth Index, his name in the England and Wales National Probate Index, his Headstone Report x 2, his listing the 1901 England Census, Charles' CWGC Grave Registration x 2, his Army Register of Soldiers Effects, his Service Medal and Award Rolls, another photo of Charles' Grave, the Royal Engineers Cap Badge and Ration Farm (La Plus Douve) Annexe.