Charles William Train facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles William Train
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| Born | 21 September 1890 London, England |
| Died | 28 March 1965 (aged 74) Vancouver, British Columbia |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
 British Army |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Service number | 510051 |
| Unit | London Regiment |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Charles William Train (born September 21, 1890 – died March 28, 1965) was a brave soldier in the British Army. He was born in England. He received the Victoria Cross (VC), which is the highest award for bravery in the British military. It's given to soldiers who show amazing courage when facing the enemy. This award was given during World War I to soldiers from Britain and its allies, like Canada and Australia (called Dominions back then), and also to the Indian Army.
Contents
A Heroic Act in World War I
Charles William Train was 27 years old during World War I. He was a corporal in a special unit called the 2/14th Battalion, London Regiment. This unit was also known as the London Scottish.
Bravery in Palestine
On December 8, 1917, Corporal Train was fighting near Jerusalem in a place called Ein Kerem. This area was then controlled by the Ottoman Empire. His company of soldiers suddenly faced a surprise attack.
The enemy had two machine-guns and stopped his company from moving forward. Corporal Train didn't wait for orders. He bravely ran ahead by himself.
Facing Machine Guns
He used special rifle grenades to attack the enemy. He managed to hit some of the machine-gun team directly. He shot and wounded an enemy officer. He also killed or wounded the rest of the machine-gun team.
After that, he quickly went to help another soldier. This comrade was also fighting the enemy from the front. Corporal Train then killed another enemy soldier. This soldier was trying to carry away the second machine-gun. His actions saved his company and allowed them to continue.
Later Life and Recognition
In May 1918, many British units moved from Palestine to the Western Front. This was the main battle area in France and Belgium. Charles Train's battalion also moved to France.
Receiving the Victoria Cross
While serving in France, he received his Victoria Cross. King George V himself presented the award. The ceremony took place on August 6, 1918, at the Second Army Headquarters in Blendecques.
After the War
Charles William Train later became a sergeant. He moved to Canada after the war. He is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Burnaby, British Columbia.
His Victoria Cross medal is on display today. You can see it at the London Scottish Regimental Museum in London, England.
