Born in 1895 at Buckhurst Hill, son of David (Contractors Agent - Road and Sewer Works) and Florence Porter. 1901: When the Census was taken he was with other members of the family at their “in laws” in Kings Avenue, Buckhurst Hill. 1911: A Milk Boy with his family at 1 Durham Villas, Kings Avenue, Buckhurst Hill. He enlisted at Epping, and was allocated to 11 Suffolk which was a “Cambridgeshire” Battalion of that Regiment.
The Battle of Arras in April 1917 was proving a stubborn challenge. 101 Brigade including 11 Suffolk were required to advance to a line beyond the town of Roeux and nearby chemical works which were in German hands. During 23rd April, 51 Highland Division had managed to take the town, only to be driven out again by a determined counter attack.
Now 11 Suffolk would advance through a chateau, a line of various buildings and the chemical works which lay between them and their objective line.
The assault began at 04.25 on 28th April 1917 after a barrage. Within moments 11 Suffolk were being engaged by heavy and accurate German machine gun fire from a trench and various buildings, and their advance was stalled with numerous casualties. Although some men managed to reach buildings near the chemical works, without support they had no option but to retire with some prisoners under the cover of darkness.
Charles Porter was among those Killed in Action during this operation.
Research by Adrian Lee, Local Historian
Sources:
Ancestry.com
Divisional History