Charles Herbert Wade (1881- )
DLI recipient of the Albert Medal in Bronze for lifesaving on land
Only two Durham Light Infantrymen were awarded the Albert Medal during the First World War. One of them was Lieutenant Charles Herbert Wade. In 1971 the Albert Medal was replaced by the George Cross.
The second youngest son of Alfred and Elizabeth Wade, Charles Wade grew up in the South before joining the Durham Light Infantry in 1916. He had nine brothers and sisters, Sarah, Jane, Alice, Thomas, Alfred, Harry, George, Arthur, and Percy. He was sent to the 2nd/9th Battalion of the DLI and was attached to the 88th Company of the Labour Corps when he did his “heroic act.”
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on 7 January 1917, “…Lieutenant Charles Wade. While a party was loading trucks beside a dump, the ammunition ignited and began to explode in all directions. The men rushed for safety, but one was caught in the trucks. Lieutenant Wade ran into the blazing ammunition and released the man. He then called for volunteers, and managed to save several trucks.” For this feat of gallantry Lieutenant Wade was awarded an Albert Medal in bronze.
The Long, Long Trail page on the Albert Medal:
http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/soldiers/how-to-research-a-soldier/records-of-gallantry-and-bravery-awards/the-british-gallantry-and-bravery-awards-of-the-great-war/military-recipients-albert-medal/
Birth date: 1881
Armed force/civilian: Army
Residence: 8 Gas Street, Stamford
38 Victoria Dwellings, Notting Hill
Employment: Bricklayer
Family: Parents: Alfred and Elizabeth Wade
Sisters: Sarah, Jane, Alice
Brothers: Thomas, Alfred, Harry, George, Arthur, Percy
Military service:
2nd/9th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry, joined 6 July 1916
Medal(s): Albert Medal in bronze
Gender: Male
Contributed by Durham at War Volunteer, Miriam