| Rank | Lieutenant, Captain, Major M.C. (MiD) |
| Unit # | 31st Canadian Battalion |
| Resident | Blenheim |
Born in Blenheim, ON. in 27 October 1889. . Charles served in the Canadian Militia prior to the outbreak of war in 1914.
Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166. Box: 4500-24, Item: 473502, PDF B4500-SO24. Next of Kin: William Hornby of Blenheim, ON. Charles was born in Blenheim, ON. Calling – Accountant. Height: 5’ 7”, Girth: 36”, Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Fair. Attestation: 29/01/1914 to 31st Batt., COE Force. His medical exam was done 9/12/14 at Calgary.
Charles embarked for France in September 1915, and arrived in Boulogne 28/09/15 where he joined the 31st Battalion, Canadian Infantry, as a Lieutenant, he was appointed Adjutant of his unit on the Somme in July 1916, and, in September of the same year, was advanced to the acting rank of Major, shortly after which he was awarded the M.C.and the War Service Badge / MiD, (see London Gazette 1/11/1919).It was reported to have influenza 16/12/15 followed up with Bronchitis 30/12/15 before rejoining his unit.
Lieutenant Charles B. Hornby trained at Calgary gaining the rank of Lieutenant.
Returning to the U.K. in August 1917, he rejoined his unit in the Field in January 1918, was gassed on 9 August 1918 – the day before he was wounded in the leg while winning his second M.C. – but nonetheless rejoined his unit, only to be gassed again on 7 September and evacuated to England via No. 9 Canadian Field Ambulance.
Major Hornby has transferred to the Alberta Regt. at Bramshott 17/08/17. Returning to the U.K. in August 1917, he had returned overseas with the 21St Reserve Batt. He rejoined his unit in the Field in January 1918, was gassed on 7 August 1918 – the day before he was wounded in the leg while winning his second M.C. – but nonetheless rejoined his unit.
He was transferred to 3rd. Hospital at Wandsworth after being exposed to Yellow X gas and evacuated. Symptoms of conjunctivitis, Pharyngilie and some vomiting on the first day. Evacuate to No. XIV General Hospital 9/09/18. He had considerable coughing. Transferred to 3rd London General Hospital 16/09/18 and his condition cleared up gradually. Final stop on his recovery he was sent to C.C.O.H his condition was practally all clear except for some weakness. The CDN Convalescent Oggicers Hospital at Matlock, Bath, Derby.
“The officer commanded his company in an attack. Regardless of danger he led his company under heavy machine-gun and shell fire in a most determined manner. When he was held up by an enemy machine-gun nest, he made a reconnaissance of his frontage, and exposing himself to great danger, directed his Lewis gun in such a manner as to enable the advance to continue. After being wounded in the leg he continued to lead his company until he fell exhausted. On this, and many previous occasions, he has shown marked courage and ability, and by his leadership has enabled his company to reach a high standard of efficiency.”
Submitted by Michele Hornby.
While serving with the 31st he was wounded with a GSW to the to his right leg in the Field. He rejoined his unit 31/08/18. only to be gassed 7/09/18 with shell gas again on 11 September and evacuated to England via No. 9 Canadian Field Ambulance.
21/ 09/18 he was TOS with the 31St Batt. 7/11/18 he was posted to the 21st Reserve Batt. the next day he was TOS with the Alberta Reserve at Bramshott.
The war was over and on 24/04/19 at Witley he was TOS and discharged 1/06/19 under the General Demobilization. His date of service was from 16/05/15 – 19/05/19.
Major Hornby was promoted 21/08/1919.
The only officer of the 31st Battalion to be awarded the M.C. and Bar, he was discharged back in Ottawa in December 1919.
Awards: Military Cross + Bar.
Military Cross – London Gazette: 1 November, 1919
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Awards | Military Cross and Bar, Mentioned In Dispatches |
| Sources | IODE, Blenheim News Tribune (26-01-1916), Blenheim News Tribune (19-04-1916), Chatham Daily Planet (16-09-1918), Chatham Daily Planet (10-06-1919), In Khaki - Blenheim Enlistment Book, Royal Canadian Legion Br. 185 60th Anniversary Book 1930-1990, M Hornby, LAC |
| Supplemental Information | Military Cross – London Gazette: 1 November, 1919 “The officer commanded his company in an attack. Regardless of danger he led his company under heavy machine-gun and shell fire in a most determined manner. When he was held up by an enemy machine gun nest, he made a reconnaissance of his frontage, and exposing himself to great danger, directed his Lewis gun in such a manner as to enable the advance to continue. After being wounded in the leg he continued to lead his company until he fell exhausted. On this, and many previous occasions, he has shown marked courage and ability, and by his leadership has enabled his company to reach a high standard of efficiency.” |
| Height | 5'7" |
| Eye Colour | Blue |
| Age | 25 |
| Complexion | Fair |
| Hair | Blonde |
| Race | White |
| Birthplace | Blenheim, Ontario |
| Religion | Presbyterian |
| Last Place of Employment | Accountant for the Department of the Interior, Canada (Irrigation Branch) |
| Average Earnings | $ 125.00 per month |
| Marital Status | Single |
| When Enlisted | November 16th, 1914 |
| Where Enlisted | Calgary, Alberta |
| Next of Kin | Parents- Mr. & Mrs. William Horby, Blenheim, Ontario |
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