Popular soldier earned medal for bravery

ROUNDING up our articles on Lance Corporal Lisher, a Littlehampton reader has tracked down details of his medal.
Lance Corporal Charles LisherLance Corporal Charles Lisher
Lance Corporal Charles Lisher

Last week, we learned much about Charles Lisher thanks to research by several readers.

Peter Rudwick has now provided more information about his Military Medal, which others had been unable to trace.

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“The following extract is from Richard Buckman’s The Royal Sussex Regiment Military Honours & Awards, dated October 2, 1917,” he said.

It reads: “Private C.A. Lisher, Royal Sussex Regiment, who belongs to Worthing, has recently gained the Military Medal, the following being the official record:-

“For most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty in the battle of Ypres on July 31 and August 1 and 2. This private was a linesman, and was on duty night and day repairing breakages caused by shell fire.

“The line between Brigade and Battalion Headquarters ran along the derelict German Reserve line and although the line was shelled continuously and heavily, Private Lisher went out repeatedly by day and night, often under heavy shell fire, thus enabling communication between Battalion and Headquarters to be kept up.

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“He is the son of Frederick George and Amelia Lisher, of 48 Orme Road, Worthing.”

Mr Rudwick also found a report on Thursday, March 21, 1918, which stated: “Worthing military medalist killed in action”.

The report continues: “Lance Corporal C.A. Lisher, 13th Bn Royal Sussex Regiment, only son of Mr and Mrs F.J. Lisher, 48 Orme Road, Worthing, has been killed in action in France.

“Enlisting in November, 1914, he beamed a popular soldier in his battalion and gained prominence as the winner of two regimental cups for boxing.

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“For two years, he took part in the fighting in France, and was home on leave in January.

“Last year he was awarded the Military Medal for conspicuous bravery.

“He had only returned to the front seven weeks when his parents received a letter from Lieutenant H. Tucker, an officer of the regiment, breaking the news of the death.”

According to the report, the officer added: “I always found him optimistic, even in difficult circumstances, and above all, without fear.”