Image Ref : MS 0022.tif

Captain Charles Ernest Syms

Captain Syms. Date n/k Photo by Elite Studios CAPTAIN CHARLES ERNEST SYMS – FORMER MEMBER OF TOTNES TOWN COUNCIL On the outbreak of the First World War he was posted to the 73rd Battery in Bombay, and proceeded to the Front, where he arrived on November 11th and was in action a week later. He remained with the Battery until wounded at Richeburg St.Vaast on May 21st prior to which he had taken part in the battle of Veuve Chapelle and helped to frustrate the great attempt by the Germans to penetrate the British lines at Cambrai. Prior to being wounded he had been twice recommended for the DCM for gallantry for helping an officer to bring in a wounded man and repairing and relaying a telephone wire under fire at Neuve Chapelle and for devotion to duty at Ypres. He was also mentioned in Sir John French’s despatches. He held the long service and good conduct medals and was on his promotion attached to the Battery with which he had been serving in Ireland. Two of his brothers, George 1st class PO in HMS Essex and Harry in the 2nd Devons also served their Country during WW1.