Lieutenant-Colonel T.L.G. Charles
5th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment

 

Soon after landing and during the unsettled first few days, he had the machinery of comd excellently organised and fully under control, being quite indifferent to and in no way allowing enemy action or movements to interfere with the arrangements. The same zeal and marked efficiency characterised all Lt-Col Charles’ work when he too over comd of 5 E Yorks.

(D.S.O. citation, 21 Jun 1945)

Born on 12 November 1909 Eastbourne, Sussex, Thomas Leslie Gwyther Charles was commissioned into the Essex Regiment in 1930, and served in India and the Middle East. In July 1936, he was injured in a RAF bomber crash in Egypt that killed seven. At the outbreak of the Second World War, he mobilized as adjutant in the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment.

Charles commanded 7th Battalion, Royal Norfolk Regimen from July 1943 until April 1944, when he was appointed GSO 1 for the 50th Infantry Division. The division make landfall on 6 June in the Normandy invasion. A later D.S.O. citation described his excellent staff work in both the D-Day and subsequent operations planning:

Great indeed was the magnitude and diversity of all that still remained to be done at the time of his arrival, but by unflagging zeal and tireless energy he was soon master of the situation, His quite determination, skilful and efficient handling of the many intricate problems of detail constantly arising, combined with his sympathetic and tactful guidance in dealing with many diverse personalities of all arms and services, was a most notable fact. The smoothness and absence of confusion during the assembly, embarkation and landing of the Division is a lasting tribute to the greatness of his achievement.

When Lieutenant-Colonel R.B. James of the 5th Battalion, East Yorkshire Regiment was killed on 3 August 1944, Charles went forward as his replacement. His D.S.O. citation credited “his resolute and skilful leadership” during the advance from France into the Low Countries. “All this achievement was in very large measure due to the courageous, skilful and inspiring leadership of Lt-Col Charles, who during six months continuous fighting has rendered the most distinguished service and displayed outstanding devotion to duty.” In December 1944, in the context of reinforcement storages, the 50th Division was withdrawn to the United Kingdom.

After the war, Charles commanded 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment, and by the mid-1950s was senior British staff officer with NATO in Southern Europe. He was awarded Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1957.

Charles died on 28 May 1974 in Yateley, Hampshire.