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Remembering ANZACs: Charles Guy Powles and Bess

On our recent trip to Western Australia we visited the ANZAC centre in Albany, which overlooks the harbour where the men and women departed Australia for the Great War. It was an amazing centre which was made even more special when we discovered a wonderful display of photos and an article about the Grandfather of one of our passengers on our tour, Felicity Morrin. Here is her story.

“My Grandfather began his military career going to the Boer war in South Africa in 1899. At the introduction of compulsory military training in 1911 he undertook a special course of instruction and was appointed a Lieutenant and posted to the Manawatu Mounted Rifles, as he was a very accomplished rider.”

With the outbreak of WWI, he was appointed Brigade Major of the NZ Mounted Rifles.

“After serving at Gallipoli, Grandfather was appointed Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General to the Australian and NZ Mounted Division, consisting of the NZ Mounted Rifles and the Australian Light Horse, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Grandfather served with distinction throughout the Sinai-Palestine Campaign, being mentioned in Dispatches four times and being awarded the C.M.G and the D.S.O.

Back in NZ in 1919 he was Commandant of the General Headquarters School in Trentham, Wellington. Later in 1923 he became Chief of Staff with the rank of Colonel.

After retiring from active service in 1927, Charles became the Principal of Flock House Training School for farm cadets in 1930. However, at the outbreak of WWII he was appointed Commandant of the Waiouru Military Camp."

At wars end, Charles was able to retire to take up sheep farming in the Manawatu.

“Grandfathers horse Bess departed from New Zealand with the first convoy and stayed with him during the Palestine Campaign. After Quarantine in England she was able to come back to him in New Zealand with three other horses. She was the only horse to serve right through the whole war.”

 

Pictured Right: Bess and unknown rider.

 

Remembering ANZACs: Charles Guy Powles and Bess

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