Private Charles Melvin

First World War
Istabulat, 21st April 1917

Citation: For most conspicuous bravery, coolness and resource in action. Pte Melvin’s Company had advanced to within fifty yards of the front line trench of a redoubt, where, owing to the intensity of the enemy’s fire, the men were obliged to lie down and wait for reinforcements.
Pte Melvin, however, rushed on by himself, over ground swept from end to end by rifle and machine-gun fire. On reaching the enemy trench he halted and fired two or three shots into it, killing one or two enemy, but as the others in the trench continued to fire at him, he jumped into it, and attacked them with his bayonet in his hand, as, owing to his rifle being damaged, it was not ‘fixed.’

On being attacked in this resolute manner most of the enemy fled to their second line, but not before Pte Melvin had killed two or more and succeeded in disarming eight unwounded and one wounded.

Pte Melvin bound up the wounds of the wounded man, and then driving the eight unwounded prisoners before him, and supporting the wounded one, he hustled them out of the trench and marched them in and delivered them over to an officer.

He then provided himself with a load of ammunition and returned to the firing line, where he reported himself to his platoon sergeant. All this was done, not only under intense rifle and machine gun fire, but the whole way back Pte Melvin and his party were exposed to a very heavy artillery barrage fire. Throughout the day Pte Melvin greatly inspired those near him with confidence and courage.