William was born at Blakeville, VIC on the 7^th of October 1893 to Charles Henry Platt and Annie Foss. Charles had a brother, William, who is also remembered in the Avenue.

Charles was an assistant storekeeper when he first enlisted at Bacchus Marsh in January 1916 in the AIF, 17^th Reinforcements, 4^th Battalion. Unable to stand marching he was transferred to the Light Horse but was discharged in late February - medically unfit, deformed feet.

Eight months later, employed as a butter maker, Charles enlisted at Geelong, VIC in the AIF, 23^rd Reinforcements, 14^th Battalion on the 27^th of October 1916, aged 24. He embarked aboard the HMAT A7 Medic in December, disembarking at Plymouth, England in February 1917.

Charles spent three weeks in hospital in March 1917 before he joined his unit in France in July. A few weeks later he was promoted to Lance Corporal before taking part in the 1^st Battle of Polygon Wood. Shortly after he was wounded in the right shoulder⁽²⁾ and evacuated back to England.

In March 1918 Charles rejoined his unit and a month later his actions saw him awarded the Military Medal.

... this Non-commissioned officer carried out a daring daylight patrol to ascertain enemy's intentions ... His energy and initiative were responsible for a successful little operation.

Source: Recommendation for the Military Medal

Five months later his actions would see him awarded a Bar to the Military Medal.

... An N.C.O. in charge of a bombing section he displayed the greatest possible skill and showed utter contempt for danger ... taking four prisoners and 5 machine guns, the remainder of the enemy fleeing ... his great personal courage and skill as a bomber having a most inspiring effect on the morale of his men.

Source: Recommendation for a Bar to the Military Medal

Two days later Charles was promoted to Corporal and then five days later to Temporary Sergeant and confirmed in that rank in December when he also attended an Australian Corps School for two weeks. He was granted leave in Paris in March 1919 before returning to England a month later and embarking for home aboard the Norman in June, returning to Australia in August and was discharged from the AIF in September.

Charles enlisted at Ballan, VIC in the Australian Army - V361330 - in June 1942 and was discharged in October 1945 as a Sergeant with the 20^th Battalion, Volunteer Defence Corps.

Charles died in June 1955, aged 66.

He is listed on the Shire of Bacchus Marsh Roll of Honour, the Bacchus Marsh & District Roll of Honour and the Roll of Honour for the Bacchus Marsh ANA.

Notes

1. He was a Corporal but was promoted to Sergeant after the Avenue was planted.
2. The Bacchus Marsh Express 20 Jul 1918