Description
A M.S.M. with a pleasant recommendation and citation and to a servicemen part of a committed military family, of note and mentioned above his brother Valentine and later his son Eric, both of which became officers. Swing mounted (backwards with reverse out), some light marks to medals, otherwise good Very Fine.
Meritorious Service Medal, George V, type I, impressed “19593 Q.M. SJT C.F. MEATES. AUST: F.A.”
Born in February 1876 in North Fitzroy, Victoria, Charles Francis Meates was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Meates and one of 3 girls and 6 boys. In his adolescence, Charles and his younger brother Valentine attested for the Victoria Militia Field Artillery, each serving up until the onset of the First World War and the formation of the Australian Imperial Force. Both Charles and his brother would rise through the Militia ranks, although his brother Valentine excelled, attaining the rank of Sergeant-Major of the Militia, and later during the War he would be promoted to Major on the 23rd October 1918 of the 6th Army Brigade, Australian Field Artillery and be awarded a Military Cross on the 5th June 1919.
On the 30th March 1916, now 40 years old, Charles Meates attested for the Australian Imperial Force at Maribyrnong, Victoria as Quarter Master Sergeant 19593 of the 29th Battery, 8th Australian Field Artillery Brigade.
- Embarked at Melbourne 20th May 1916 aboard HMAT ‘Medic’, disembarked at Plymouth 18th July 1916
- Proceeded overseas to France 30th December 1916
- Awarded the Meritorious Service Medal (London Gazette 18 January 1919, p. 1022)
- Recommendation “These N.C.O.’s [Charles F. Meates, James F. Dowling, Charles J. S. Davies] since the Division arrived in France, have been Q.M.S’s and have done excellent work in that capacity. During the operations in Belgium and the whole of the recent operations on the Somme, have shown keen devotion to duty and have never failed in the smallest details of their duty, and have often been the means by which the batteries have been kept in action owing to the quickness in getting spare parts etc. They have set an excellent example to all ranks.”
- Citation: “During the period 25th1918. to Night 16th/17th Sept.1918., this N.C.O. has done excellent work in the capacity of Quarter Master Sergeant. Throughout the recent offensive operations he has shown keen devotion to duty, and has never failed in the smallest detail. On several occasions the Battery has been kept in action by his energy, initiative and promptness in supplying spare parts. His work throughout has been of a very high order.” (30/09/1918)
- Embarked England to return to Australia on the 12th May 1919
- Discharged 14th August 1919
Charles Meates returned to civilian life after the war, working as the Manager of the Fitzroy and Preston Depots until his retirement in 1940. An interesting note, his son, Eric Meates, attested for the Australian Field Artillery on the 25th October 1939 at the onset of the Second World War, and was later promoted to Lieutenant on the 17th February 1942. Eric listed his father, Charles Meates, as his next of kin, before it being changed to his wife.