Charles Richard Sharpe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Richard Sharpe
VC
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| Born | 2 April 1889 Pickworth, Lincolnshire |
| Died | 18 February 1963 (aged 73) Workington, Cumbria |
| Buried |
Newport Cemetery, Lincoln
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| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Years of service | 1905−1928 |
| Rank | Company Sergeant Major |
| Unit | Royal Lincolnshire Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards |  Victoria Cross |
Charles Richard Sharpe (born April 2, 1889 – died February 18, 1963) was a brave English soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for courage in battle given to British and Commonwealth soldiers.
Charles grew up on a farm in Pickworth, England. When he was just sixteen, he ran away from home to join the army. Before World War I, he served with the 2nd battalion in the Bermuda Garrison. He arrived on the Western Front with his battalion in November 1914.
At the time of his brave act, Charles was an Acting Corporal in the 2nd Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment. He was 26 years old when he earned the Victoria Cross during the Battle of Aubers Ridge in the First World War.
A Heroic Act in Battle
On May 9, 1915, during a battle at Rouges Bancs, France, Corporal Sharpe was leading a small group of soldiers. Their mission was to capture a part of a German trench.
Charles was the very first soldier to reach the enemy's position. He used special hand bombs, called bombs, with great skill. He single-handedly cleared out a section of the trench that was about 50 yards (46 meters) long.
By this point, all the other soldiers in his group had been hurt or fallen. But Charles didn't give up. Four other soldiers then joined him. Together, they continued to attack the enemy with bombs. They managed to capture an even longer section of the trench, about 250 yards (229 meters) long. His amazing bravery helped his unit succeed.
Life After the War
Charles Sharpe continued to serve in the army after this heroic deed. He eventually rose to the rank of Company Sergeant Major. He left the army in 1928.
After his military career, Charles worked at different jobs. One of his notable roles was as a physical training instructor. He taught boys at a special school called Hereward Camp in Bourne. During World War II, Charles was injured when bombs fell near the school where he worked.
The Victoria Cross Medal
Charles Richard Sharpe's Victoria Cross medal is a very important historical item. It is currently kept by the South Kesteven District Council in Grantham.
