Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Burnett CHARTERS CMG DSO VD MiD***
1st Battalion Otago Regiment NZEF
By Robert Simpson
Photo of Alexander Burnett Charters wearing badges of the 17th Ruahine Regiment and his felt hat in Boy Scout style.
Alexander Burnett Charters was born on 30 June 1876 in Christchurch New Zealand. His parents were William Wombwell Charters and Isabella Burnett. William had been born in Stoke Newington, Middlesex, England on 13 February 1855 and Isabella in Hownam, Roxburgh, Scotland on 21 May 1858. They had married on 6 October 1975 in Christchurch, New Zealand. William was charged in the Supreme Court of Christchurch in 1882, as recorded in the Ashburton Guardian of 4 January 1882. He was accused of fraudulently using money of the Building Society of which he was a public officer at the time. He was sentenced to eight years penal servitude. At some time, he was manager for Messrs. Kinsey, Barnes and Company, of Christchurch. In the 1910 city directory he was listed as an accountant at the corner of Norwood and Fisher Streets, Heathcote. William passed away in Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand on 29 January 1930. He is buried in Bromley Cemetery in Row A 3856. Victorian wills and probate records show he was a Shipping Manager and probate was granted there on 18 December 1930. By the 1935 electoral roll Isabella was living at 186 Fitzgerald Street Christchurch and was listed as a widow. She passed away on 21 February 1936 in Christchurch and is buried with her husband. Her Victoria probate was granted on 29 August 1936.
A younger brother, Cecil William Wombwell Charters, was born on 21 November 1880 in Christchurch. In 1910 Cecil married Lily Gertrude Stephens in New Zealand. She was born in 1880 in Christchurch. The 1911 electoral roll shows them both living at Fisher Street Beckenham with Cecil a commercial traveller. In the WW1 New Zealand Army Reserve Rolls 1916-17 for the 2nd Division of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force Reserve, Cecil was listed as a Hardware Salesman of 18 Whiteleigh Avenue Riccarton. He was in Class C, ‘Reservists who have two children’. Cecil passed away on 25 November 1979 in Christchurch.
Alexander was educated at the Opawa and West Christchurch public schools. After gaining a Soames’ scholarship, he spent two years at Christ’s College. He matriculated in 1892, gained his D certificate in 1895, and then spent twelve months in the Normal Training College, during which time he attended Canterbury College and gained his C certificate. For the next six years he was employed as a relieving teacher, at Inglewood, Taranaki and then the Thorndon and Clyde Quay schools in Wellington.
In January 1902, Alexander went to South Africa as a Regimental Sergeant-Major of the Eighth Contingent. Dr Collins did a preliminary medical examination on him at Wellington on 3 January 1902. The record shows he looked his age, was healthy and had no eye or ear problems. Alexander had brown eyes, a dark complexion, black hair and a vaccination mark. His Attestation Form for Volunteers to serve with Imperial Troops in South Africa stated his regimental number as 5015, with A Company. He had been with the Kelburne Rifles at Wellington as a Senior Lieutenant for 2 years. His address was 187 Wilson’s Road Christchurch and he was a School Teacher with the Education Board Wellington. Alexander was 25 years and 6 months old, height 5 foot 8 inches, chest measurement of 37 inches and weighed 11 stone 5 pounds. His religion was Presbyterian. W Cleburne Charters (his father) of the same address above (also recorded as c/o Kinsey Barns & Co Christchurch) was his next of kin. Alexander signed it on 5 January 1902 at Trentham. He returned to New Zealand in August of the same year and was appointed to the Territorial Force. On 22 August 1902 Alex B Charters of 8 Leve Street Wellington wrote a letter to The Commandant of the NZ Forces, stating ‘I have the honour to apply for my warrant as warrant officer in the 8th N.Z.M.R. lately on service in South Africa. In Regimental Orders I was promoted to be Regimental Sergt. Major of the 1st. Regt. 8th N.Z.M.R., and should like to have my warrant as a memento of that fact.’ A note on 4 July 1903 asked to ‘prepare papers and gazette Alexander Burnett Charters a Lieutenant in the New Zealand Militia.’ A letter from New Zealand Defence Force Headquarters at Wellington on 7 July 1903 to the Minister of Defence advising ‘Under instructions received by telephone, the accompanying warrant for a Lieutenancy in the New Zealand Militia for Alexander Burnett Charters is forwarded. I would point out that although Lieutenant Charters is an officer in the New Zealand Volunteers, he went to, and returned from South Africa, with the 8th Contingent as a non-commissioned officer, and consequently his contingent services do not entitle him to a Commission in the Militia.’ A hand-written note underneath stated ‘Lieutenant Charters was recommended whilst in South Africa for promotion to be Lieutenant as his services & resume entitled him to the promotion otherwise he would not have been recommended’. Another note says the instruction was sent be letter, not by telephone. An official letter from the Minister of Defence approved the appointment of Alexander Burnett Charters to be Lieutenant in the New Zealand Militia on 7 July 1903. On 5 April 1906 he wrote a letter enquiring if he was entitled to more clasps to his South Africa medal. At Masterton on 18 April 1906, Alexander signed for the Cape Colony clasp.
A medical board held in Wellington on 8 September 1902 reported that Alexander had been taken ill on SS Britannic on 14 July 1902 with a bad throat that was treated privately for 1 week. His present condition was ‘Laryngitis, looks “run down” and he was recommended for 2 months leave with treatment in Taranaki Hospital. He was ‘unfit to do his ordinary work teaching’. He was granted 2 months leave at full contingent pay for the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major from 2 August 1902.
On 27 September 1902 he signed for his New Zealand Service Medal which was awarded to him for long and efficient service in the New Zealand Forces.
A letter written on 13 November 1902 from a Captain to the Colonel of the 1st Battalion WRV at Wellington regarding the transfer of Lieutenant Charters of Kelburne Rifles E Company 1st Battalion WRV to Wellington Engineers noted that he regretted his leaving but, as they had more than the required number of officers under the present regulations, he felt that by staying he was standing in the way of others. The captain recommended his application, being granted from 6 November 1902. Alexander’s address at that time was 8 Levy Street Wellington. The transfer form was filled out on 9 November and sent to the Orderly Room of the Battalion. A letter was sent from the Wellington Engineer Volunteers to the Officer Commanding District Colonel Newall CB, advising him that at a meeting in November 1902 Lieutenant A B Charters was ‘unanimously elected a Subaltern of the Corps’, and they were asking for him to clear the transfer.
He acted as relieving teacher for a short time at the Te Aro and Lower Hutt schools. In 1903 Alexander was appointed first assistant master of the secondary division of the Masterton District High School, where he remained for four years, during which time he completed his B.A. degree. Alexander was appointed as Headmaster of the Greytown District High School in June 1907. He was chairman of the Wairarapa Rugby Union, a junior warden of the Masonic Lodge, and was Captain for four years of the Masterton Rifle Corps.
Alexander married Eliza Caroline Curtis (born 17 Aug 1879 in Inglewood, Taranaki, died 1948) on 7 July 1903 in Inglewood, Taranaki. She was a daughter of Mr. Herbert Bloomer Curtis, of Inglewood (born 24 November 1852 in Omata, Taranaki; Mayor of Inglewood Borough Council 1907-1910; died 3 January 1915 in Inglewood) and Caroline Jorgensen Larsen (born 14 July 1860 in Horsens Weile, Denmark, died 18 February 1931 in Inglewood; married 14 April 1879 in New Plymouth). Eliza was the first of eleven children to them. Alexander and Eliza had two children, who were: (a) Jack Curtis Charters (born 11 December 1906 in Masterton, died 1980) married Shirley Kidson in 1936 (born 1 January 1918, died 1986). His occupation was a real estate salesman at Waikanae, then a farmer at Te Aroha. Their daughters were Andrea and Rachelle Charters. (b) Noeline Burnet Charters (born 4 January 1915 in Wellington; died 7 March 2007 in Whangarei) She was married on 3 May 1938 in Wellington to Horatio Nelson Duxfield (born 8 December 1905 in Horotiu, Waikato; died 2 September 1991 in Perth, Western Australia; buried in Nungarin, Western Australia) Their children: Shirley Dianne Lynnette Duxfield (born 11 February 1942 in Ngaruawahia, Waikato; died 2011 in Kununoppin, Western Australia ) and Jacqueline (Jackie) Joy Duxfield, married Robert James Paul (born 10 February 1927 in New Lynn, Auckland; died 15 May 2016 in Radius Lester Heights, Whangarei.)
In a letter to the Defence Department on 27 April 1903, Alexander asks for gratuity under Army Order 150 of July 1900 and gives his address as 8 Levy Street, Wellington. He was granted leave from 7 August 1903 to 1 October 1903 and wrote a letter to the Under Secretary of Defence on 10 October 1902 that ‘I am instructed on a form received from the Commandant’s office Hqrs. that my pay (full contingent) will be paid to me by you.’ He gave his address as Ingelwood Tarana Ri. Notes on the letter indicate he was paid £9.4.0 on 11 October 1902 ‘which pays him up to date.’ A letter sent to him on 25 October let him know of that.
On 25 January 1904 he wrote to the Commandant of the NZ Forces asking him to forward his medals to him as he would not be able to attend any of the big centres to collect them. Alexander stated his address as District High School, Masterton and noted he was ‘(late) No 5015 Regimental Sergt. Major 1st Regiment 8th N.Z.M.R.’ A reply on 27 January acknowledged his change of address and that the medals and clasps would be forwarded to him. Alexander signed an acknowledgement form for his medal and 2 clasps on 14 March 1904. A letter to the Officer Commanding, Wellington District listed the service in South Africa for ‘Charters Alexander Burnett Lieutenant (1) Natal Orange R. C. Border 1902 (2) South Western Transvaal 1902 (3) Northern Cape Colony; railway line from Nryburg to Mafeking (Devondale siding)’. His file has a series of letters which seem to be about his medal and clasp entitlement. A reply on 7 December 1904 stated ‘that no service in Natal is allowed to count after June 1900.’Alexander did sign a note which reads ‘South African War 1902. Operations in the Transvaal, Apr. to 31 May, 02. Operations in Cape Colony, May 02. Queen’s Medal with 2 Clasps.’ He requested a transfer to the Masterton rifles from No 5 Company NZ Engineer Volunteers on 1 December 1903, which was approved. Lieutenant Charters was appointed acting Captain with the Masterton Rifle Volunteers from 5 February 1904 for six months. After passing and examination on 7 September 1904 he was eligible to be Gazetted Captain.
Alexander resigned from the Masterton Rifle Volunteers with a request that he be placed on the Active Unattached List on 10 May 1907. He had been promoted to Headmaster of the Greytown North District High School and he would not be able to control them from Greytown. He was still keenly interested in volunteering.
An election was carried out on 22 September 1908 to appoint Captain Alexander Burnet Charters with the Greytown Rifle Volunteers due to a resignation. The University of New Zealand conferred a Masters of Arts Degree to ‘Alexander Burnet Charters (Victoria College)’ on 15 April 1909.
He resigned from Greytown Rifle Volunteers on 29 May 1909, on appointment as Acting Major with the 5th Battalion Wellington Volunteers. Another form dated before that shows he was a Schoolmaster and for previous military experience lists: – Queens Rifle Cadets Christchurch (3 years), Canterbury Scottish Rifle Volunteers (3 years), Canterbury Engineers (1 year), Kelburne Rifles (2 years), 8th NZMR in SA, Wellington Engineers (Lieutenant), Masterton Rifle Volunteers (Captain), Captain Unattached (1 year) and Captain Greytown Rifle Volunteers. A form from the New Zealand Defence Forces at Wellington on 10 June 1909 to Captain Alexander Burnet Charters declared he was appointed Acting Major to the 5th Battalion Wellington (Centre or Ruahine) Rifle Volunteers for 12 months from 26 May 1909. He passed a military exam for a Volunteer Officer of the Wellington District, which he did on 1 December 1909. At the time he was a Captain, acting Major. He was then eligible to be Gazetted as Major and it was signed by the President of the Central Board of Military Examinations on 18 January 1910.
An application for the New Zealand Service Medal on 13 November 1911 shows that Major Alexander Burnet Charters was Acting Lieutenant in Kelburne Rifles from June 1900 to June 1901, a Lieutenant in the same from June 1901 to 12 January 1902, from that date with 8th NZMR to South Africa until 13 August 1902, 13 August 1902 to 11 November 1902 with Kelburne Rifles, 11 November 1902 to 10 December 1903 with Wellington Engineer Volunteers, 1 December 1903 to 10 May 1907 with Masterton Rifle Volunteers, 10 May 1907 to 22 September 1908 as Active Unattached, 22 September 1908 to 1 December 1909 with Greytown Rifle Volunteers and 1 December 1909 to date as Major with 5th Wellington Battalion then 9th Wellington Battalion.
An extract from the New Zealand Gazette of 4 April 1912 under 9th Regiment (Wellington East Coast Rifles) 2nd Battalion shows that Major Alexander Burnett Charters was to be a Lieutenant Colonel. It was to be dated from 21 January 1912. It was the result of a Military Examination of him at Wellington on that date, where he was recommended to be promoted.
On 2 May 1912 a record of service list showed he served for a total of 12 years and 200 days with continuous efficient service and the award of the NZ Service Medal was approved.
The form headed Resignation of a Territorial Officer shows that Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Burnet Charters of 2nd Battalion 9th Regiment, who had 12 years and 9 months of continuous service, resigned and requested to be placed on the Unattached (A) or Reserve. The form and letter, both dated 20 June 1912 were forwarded. The letter added ‘the nature of my new duties absolutely precludes my commanding a Battn. at present’. He wished to keep in touch and hoped to be of some assistance with men, roads and information for the district. Also, he hoped to attend a camp annually during his holidays. It was recommended by Colonel EWC Chaytor, Commanding the Wellington District on 29 June 1912.
He had started his military career at the age of 14 with the Christchurch Queens Rifle Cadets. Alexander Charters was appointed Acting Major of the 5th Battalion Wellington (Centre or Ruahine) Rifle Volunteers on 26 May 1909. He was appointed Lieutenant Colonel of the 9th (W.E.C.) Regiment, 2nd Battalion on the 21 January 1912 with the change from Volunteer to the Territorial system. The battalion became the 17th (Ruahine) Regiment on the 27th March 1914. On 8 July 1914, a letter was sent by Lieutenant Colonel A. B. Charters, the Commanding Officer of the 17th (Ruahine) Regiment, to the Officer Commanding the Wellington Infantry Brigade, requesting permission for approval of a new regimental badge and motto. The letter was sent to the Officer Commanding the Wellington Infantry Brigade with a subject of ‘Regimental Badge & Motto’ and reads ‘I have the honour to enclose a more finished design for our Regtl. Badge, and trust that it will be accepted. The motto chosen is “Ad Unum Omnes”, meaning “All to a Man”, or “Presenting a Solid Front”. As a matter of fact the motto is capable of a variety of meanings Synonymous with those given above. I shall be glad if I may have an early reply re badge, Motto, and Honorary Colonel; in the case of the first I am very desirous of placing the order with a Home firm for delivery as early as possible.’ He signed it A B Charters Lieutenant Colonel Commanding 17th (Ruahine) Regiment. The letter was received by Headquarters on 10 July 1914. They were officially approved by General Godley on the 14 July 1914.
Photo of Alexander Charters taken on December 1914 at Trentham Camp. Trentham Camp near Upper Hutt, opened in October 1914, was the Defence Department’s first training camp.
Portrait of Lieutenant Colonel A. B. Charters, Archives New Zealand, AALZ 25044 6 / F1902 11. Image is subject to copyright restriction
On 9 November 1914 10/1168 Alexander Burnett Charters of the Wellington Infantry Regiment filled out an attestation form for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force 2nd Reinforcements. He had been born in Christchurch on 30 June 1876 and was a British Subject. He was an Inspector of Schools and had never been apprenticed. His current address was 69 Tainui Terrace, Lyall Bay Wellington. Alexander had passed the Fourth Educational Standard and had a MA degree from University of NZ. His present employer was the Education Board of the District of Wellington. He was married, had never been imprisoned, was serving with the 17th Ruahine Regiment, had served time in South Africa with NZMR, being discharged in August 1902 on completion of service. He was over age for compulsory military training, had never been rejected for service, was willing to be vaccinated and to serve overseas.
A Medical Examination on 11 October 1914 showed his age was 38 years and 3 months, height 5-foot 8¾ inches, had a chest measurement of 35 to 40 inches, had a dark complexion with hazel eyes and black hair. His religion was Presbyterian. Both eyes and ears were normal, he had normal colour vision, good teeth and all other checks were answered with a yes. In the Remarks column was the only word ‘fit’. He had a certificate in Tactical Fitness. His next of kin was his wife Mrs Eliza Caroline Charters of the same address.
Alexander was appointed to the NZEF as a Major on 21 November 1914 with the 17th (Ruahine) Regiment, Wellington Battalion, as recorded in the New Zealand Gazette. The embarkation roll of the NZEF from New Zealand shows that Major Charters embarked on the Willochra with the 2nd Reinforcements (1752 men), leaving New Zealand on 14 November 1914 and disembarking at Suez on 28 January 1915.
Portrait of Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Burnett Charters. On the back is written: 69 Tainui Terrace, Lyall Bay, Wellington. Date 1915. Photographer was T H Kofler, Cairo Studios.
On 5 April 1915, Alexander was appointed Temporary Lieutenant Colonel in charge of Base Depot MEF at Alexandria. The New Zealand Gazette of 8 July 1915 under Grant of Temporary Rank has listed ‘Major Alexander Burnett Charters, 17th (Ruahine) Regiment, to have the temporary rank of Lieutenant-Colonel while in command of the New Zealand Section, Infantry Base Depot, Alexandria. Dated 5th April, 1915.’
A list of his service record shows his efficient service from when he enlisted on 12/6 1900 to 8/7/1915, a period of 16 years and 349 days, and so the award of the medal was approved. His wife signed for his New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal, for long and efficient service in the New Zealand Territorial Force, at Lyall Bay Wellington on 30 September 1915.
Newly promoted 10/1168 Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Burnett Charters (in Wosley Helmet). His cap a badge is that of the 17th (Ruahine) Territorial Regiment. He wears the ribbon of the Commander of Michael and St George for his work as commander of the New Zealand Base Depot in Alexandria. The two other officers beside him are unidentified. With acknowledgement to National Army Museum of New Zealand. The photo was taken near the NZ Base Depot in Alexandria between April and December 1915. A B Charters, pictured on the left, is wearing a large size Ruahine badge on his sun helmet. A letter dated 18 February 1916 from a soldier in the NZ Veterinary Corps to his local Member of Parliament mentions, ‘The Ruahine Regiment arrived in Egypt without badges but on this being brought to the Sultans (Hussein Kamel of Egypt) notice he presented the corps with a complete set.’
On 21 October 1915 he was to be a Lieutenant Colonel, as recorded in Divisional Routine Orders.
The Supplement to the London Gazette of 5 November 1915 in page 11003 has a listing for New Zealand Infantry Wellington Battalion for ‘Charters, Lieutenant-Colonel A. B.’ who was mentioned in Despatches from General Ian Hamilton as being deserving of special mention.
On 3 January 1916 he was temporarily appointed AA&QMG to the NZ&A Division. He was struck off the strength of the Divisional Headquarters at Moascar on 20 January 1916. On 25 January he was transferred to the Otago Infantry Battalion and was appointed to command the 1st Battalion Otago Regiment the next day.
A note from General John Monash to Colonel Charters in January 1916, with thanks to the AWM.
They embarked on HT Frankonia at Port Said for France on 6 April 1916.
He was to be an additional member of the 3rd Class or Companion of the distinguished order of St Michael and St George, as recorded in the Supplement to the London Gazette No 29608 of 3 June 1916. The entry in the London Gazette states ‘Commanding NZ advanced base depot Alexandria upon whom all arrangements for the receipt and dispatch of details, sick, wounded and convalescent revolves; also matters connected with the comfort of the sick and wounded, has worked indefatigably.’
He was mentioned in despatches in the London Gazette of 21 June 1916 in connection with administration in Egypt while a Lieutenant Colonel with Staff, Australia and New Zealand Forces by Sir J J Maxwell.
The NZ Gazette No 69 of 22 June 1916 under Commands stated the period of command of Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Burnett Charters, 17th (Ruahine) Regiment was extended during the period of the war.
He assumed temporary command of Divisional School on 26 December 1916.
On 4 January 1917, the Supplement to the London Gazette recorded on page 261 under New Zealand Force, Infantry, ‘Charters, Lt.-Col. A. B., C.M.G.’, as being mentioned in the despatch from General D Haig, dated 13 November 1916. He was Lieutenant Colonel with the 1st Battalion Otago Regiment and also reads ‘Lieut-Col Charters took over command of the 1/Bn Otago Reg. when the Brigade returned to Egypt after the evacuation of ANZAC. He has built up this battalion. He is capable and industrious and has proved himself in the operations near Flers from 16 to 28 Sept. to be thoroughly reliable in action.
Alexander re-joined the 1st Battalion Otago Regiment from Divisional School on 14 January 1917, but was sent to hospital on the same day. He had been admitted to No 2 Field Ambulance, then transferred to II Anzac Officer Res. Hospital and arriving there the same day. On 18 April 1917 he re-joined his battalion. He proceeded to Rouen on duty on 30 April and re-joined his battalion from NZ Section on 7 May 1917.
Photograph of the Otago Battalion Officers on the Western Front in France, May 1917, before the battle of Messines. Unknown provenance. Auckland War Memorial Museum – Tāmaki Paenga Hira PH-PR-179.
Some men of the Otago regiment referred to Lieutenant Colonel Charters as the ‘alphabetical bastard’, on account of his initials A.B.C. A WW1 diary belonging to a Sergeant in the 1st Battalion Otago Infantry describes Lieutenant Colonel Charters as ‘useless as a commander’ and ‘should be in a glass case’ amongst other disparaging comments.
He departed to HQ 2nd Infantry Brigade on 4 July 1917. He assumed temporary command of the brigade the next day. On 17 July he re-joined his battalion. On 18 July he was granted leave to UK, re-joining his battalion on 1 August 1917. He was gassed (also listed as wounded) on 22 October 1917 and was admitted to No 1 NZ Field Ambulance in the Field and admitted to NZ Stationary Hospital on the same day. On 31 October 1917 Alexander was discharged to duty, re-joined his unit and was detached to HQ II NZ Infantry Brigade, assuming temporary command of the brigade that day. He relinquished command and re-joined his unit on 26 November.
On 28 December 1917 he was Mentioned in Field Marshall D Haig’s despatch of 7 November 1917 ‘for Distinguished and Gallant Services and Devotion to Duty during the period Feb 26 to midnight Sept 20-21 1917.’
The Supplement to the London Gazette of 1 January 1918 on page 29 under the list on New Zealand Forces was an entry for ‘Lt.-Col. Alexander Burnet Charters, C.M.G., Inf.’ as being awarded the Distinguished Service Order for distinguished service in the Field, (France & Flanders). The citation reads ‘For Distinguished Service in the Field. Operations Messines – 7th to 12 June 1917, and operations opposite Warneton 14 to 19 June 1917 as Officer Commanding the 1st Otago Bn, Lieut-Colonel Charters has always displayed the highest qualities of organisation and Command. It was his Battalion which established the advanced line of assembly trenches opposite Messines preparatory to the attack. During the battle itself on the 7th June, he commanded his Battalion with conspicuous success and showed fine qualities of leadership. He personally went forward under heavy artillery barrage, to ensure with the Division on his left, and on the night of the 8 June during the heavy counter-attack; at great personal risk made a most valuable reconnaissance without orders from any superior authority to himself and the Brigade that the troops on his left front were not retiring, but that a relief was taking place. This information was of the highest value as the situation at that moment was very obscure. During the whole of the battle Lieut-Colonel Charters moved about among his men inspiring them with confidence and setting a marvellous example of cheerfulness. During the later operations opposite Warneton he again led his Battalion forward with great gallantry and seized a line of posts in the final objective. He again personally reconnoitred the line and was present during its consolidation. Later during August after capture of LaBasse Ville Lieut-Colonel Charters personally supervised the scouting of the advanced line, his Battalion carrying out the work with the greatest success under heavy machine gun and shellfire.’
The Star of Wednesday 2 January 1918 has a list under the headings New Years’ Honours, Rewards for War Service, New Zealanders Decorated from Wellington on 1 January which advised that ‘The Prime Minister has received a list of New Years Honours conferred on members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force’ which included in the list of those receiving the DSO ‘Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander Burnet Charters, C.M.G.’
On 16 January 1918 he re-joined his unit in the Field. He was gassed on a second occasion on 20 February 1918 and was evacuated on 7 March 1918, being admitted and transferred to NZ Stationary Hospital that day. Alexander was transferred to Michel Convalescent Home on 14 and admitted there on 20 March 1918. He was discharged to duty on 13 April and re-joined unit in the Field on 18 April. On 19 April he was wounded in action, being admitted and discharged to unit at No 3 NZ Field Ambulance on the same day. He was attached to HQ II NZ Infantry Brigade on 23 April and re-joined his battalion on 1 May 1918. On 7 August he went to the UK on leave, re-joining his unit on 3 September 1918 and was detached to Division Details Camp as Commandant on that day. He re-joined his unit on 14 September 1918.
On SS Hororata, he embarked for New Zealand from London on 1 February 1919.
After the war he was Commanding Officer of Northland Regiment from 1926 to 1928, also Commander of 1 NZ Infantry Brigade in 1925, Aide-de-camp (ADC) to NZ Governor-General from 1928 to 1930. He was also a registered Justice of the Peace (JP).
His middle name is spelled “Burnet” in numerous documents but his birth record has “Burnett”.
The Army War Museum in New Zealand has in its’ collection an album, titled ‘WWI Photograph Album of Major Alexander Burnett Charters – Egypt and Gallipoli’ which includes ‘Zeitoun Camp, shipboard life, England, Troopship Willochra, Troopship Aragon and Military Hospitals’. It is able to be viewed here: – https://nam.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/1534#idx2827
Below are some photos from the collection with thanks to National Army Museum of New Zealand.
Soldiers, probably New Zealanders, dig in bivvies on the ridge leading to Plugge’s Plateau below Russell Top on the skyline, Gallipoli, 1915.
A camouflaged dugout close to No 2 Outpost (seen in the background), Gallipoli, 1915.
An unidentified warship in Mudros harbour Lemnos.
Lieutenant Colonel AB Charters of the 17th (Ruahine) Regiment applied for the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long-service Medal on 5 January 1918. He listed his service as Canterbury Scottish Rifles from 1891 to 1893 (2 years), Canterbury Engineer Volunteers from 1893 to 1894 (1 year), 5th Wellington Battalion Volunteers as Major from 30/10/99 to 30/10/11 (12 years) and a Lieutenant Colonel with 17th Regiment NZEF from 30/10/11 to 21/10/14 (2 years 10 months and 24 days) and 21/20/14 to 1/2/18 (6 years 6 months and 20 days on Active Service). The Acting Adjutant and Captain for the 17th Regiment signed the document, adding ‘the service of applicant has been efficient for Medal purposes from 1st March 1911, to 21/10/14 the date of his joining the N.Z.E.F.’
The above record of service was sent to the Governor General for approval and was approved on 12 March 1918.
‘On 13 January Lieut.-Colonel A. B. Charters, C.M.G., D.S.O., who had commanded the 1st Battalion of the Regiment through its successes and vicissitudes of fortune in France and Flanders over a period of three years, bade farewell to officers and men, and departed for the United Kingdom and New Zealand. Under the command and influence of Lieut.-Colonel Charters, the Battalion had at all times, and under the most desperate conditions of warfare, maintained its splendid reputation for discipline, fighting efficiency, and esprit de corps, all of which qualities were remarkably in evidence during the many difficult operations carried out in the course of the Campaign on the Western Front.’ From OFFICIAL HISTORY OF THE OTAGO REGIMENT, N.Z.E.F. IN THE GREAT WAR 1914-1918 by A E Byrne.
Under the heading ‘FALLEN NEW ZEALANDERS’ in the New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 9924, 20 March 1918, Page 3 was an entry under ‘WELLINGTON MILITARY DISTRICT WOUNDED.’ For ‘Charters, Alexander Burnet, D.S.O., 10/1668 Lieutenant-Colonel, 0.1. R. (Mrs B.C. Charters, Lyall Bay, w.); February 20th.’ In the ‘PERSONALS’ section of the Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1280, 20 March 1918, Page 2 was an entry ‘Lieut.-Colonel Alexander Burnet Charters, C.M.G., D.S.O., who is reported to have “been wounded last month, is a son of Mr W. W. Charters of Christchurch. He was educated at the Opawa School, Christ’s College, and Canterbury College. Prior to leaving with the Expeditionary Force in 1914 he was an inspector under the Wellington Education Board. Lieut.-Colonel Charters always has taken a keen interest in military matters, and at one time he was a prominent member of the Scottish Rifles, in Christchurch. He served in South Africa, and holds the Queen’s Medal with three clasps. He is now in command of the Otago Battalion. Lieut.-Colonel Charters has been mentioned in dispatches four times in the present war, and for his services was awarded the C.M.G. and the D.S.O. He was gassed last November, but was less than a month in hospital before returning to the trenches.’ Another newspaper reported a list of New Zealand casualties published in Wellington on 3 May 1918, which under ‘Wounded’ ‘Otago Infantry’ had an entry for ‘CHARTERS, Alexander Burnet (D.S.O.), lieutenant-colonel (Mrs. E. Charters, Lyall Bay). – Apr. 19.’
In the Demobilisation Embarkation roll of NZEF to New Zealand Lieutenant Colonel Charters was listed as number 221, embarking on Horarata from the UK on 1 February 1919, with 42 other officers and 1462 other ranks. He was struck off the strength of the NZ Expeditionary Force on 30 April 1919 and was absorbed into the strength of the 17th Regiment.
On 28 July 1919 he filled out a form saying he desired to continue his service in the New Zealand Military Forces in the Reserve of Officers (preferably with the 8th Southland Regiment).
A list of his service was produced towards the award of Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officer’s Decoration and showed he served for 21 years and 230 days. It was awarded on 18 October 1919. He signed for it on 23 June 1920. His badge of the Distinguished Service Order was received for supply to Alexander on 21 July 1920.
He was one of 47 in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force to receive the CMG and one of 141 to be a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order with Bar. Alexander’s highest rank in the NZEF was Lieutenant Colonel from 21 October 1915. He served with the Wellington Regiment, then Otago Regiment, where he was Officer Commanding the 1st Battalion, then Officer Commanding NZ Base Depot at Alexandria.
A file in his records stamped with the date of 23 March 1920 showed that 10/1168 Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Burnet Charters had been discharged on demobilisation and was residing in New Zealand. His nominated and legal next of kin was his wife of 69 Freyberg St, Lyall Bay Wellington. His medals were CMG (LG 3.6.16), DSO (LG 1.1.18), 1914-15 Star, British War and Victory Medals. He was entitled to 1 red and 4 blue service chevrons and 3 wound stripes (22.10.17, 20.2.18 and 19.4 18). Alexander was also Mentioned in Despatches 4 times; by Sir Ian Hamilton on 22.9.15, by Sir JJ Maxwell on 16.3.16 (LG 29632), by Sir D Haig on 2.1.17 (LG 76689) and by Sir D Haig on 7.11.17 (LG 30448).
Alexander signed for his ‘Kings Commission’ on 26 February 1920.
Lieutenant Colonel A. B. Charters – Companion St Michael and St George: Distinguished Service Order. Item Code: R24184627 Series Code:25044 Provenance: Transferred by agency AALZ
The Otago Daily Times has a picture and article headed ‘Colour ceremony at First Church’ which read ‘A ceremony absolutely unique in the history of Dunedin was performed yesterday afternoon when the colours of two of the Otago battalions presented by his Majesty the King in recognition of conspicuous services on the battlefields of France were consecrated and deposited in First Church. A number of ex officers of the Otago Regiment NZEF and a very large number of townspeople gathered in the church to witness the arrival of the soldiers with the colours, and to take part in the service. Lieutenant-colonel A.B Charters, CMG, DSO, handed the colours of the 1st Battalion of the Otago Regiment to the Rev. Graham Balfour, minister of First Church, in memory of the men who had fallen and for safekeeping until such time as they might be required; and Lieutenant-colonel D. Colquhoun, DSO, handed over the colours of the Third Battalion for the same purpose. Mr Balfour accepted them on these conditions and placed them in positions where they could be seen by the whole congregation.’
The picture reads ‘The colours of two of the battalions of the Otago Regiment are conveyed under escort to First Church on June 5, 1920.’
Alexander is listed in Who’s Who in New Zealand in 1925 as ‘CHARTERS, Alexander Burnet, C.M.G., D.S.O., principal Whangarei High School (1924). B. Chch. 1876, s. of W. W. Charters; m. 1903, e.d. of l. H. B. Curtis, Inglewood; one s., one d. Ed. Opawa, Christ’s Coll. (Somes scholar): Vic. Coll., M.A. 1909; Union Rowing Club, Chch., Athletic Football Club, Well.; life mem. Masterton Football Club; refereed in numerous inter-provincial Rugby matches and in British match 1908; asst. teacher at Inglewood, Clyde Quay, Thorndon, Masterdon D.H.S. (secondary); headmaster Greytown D.H.S. 1907-12; inspector of schools, Well.; chm. Wairarapa Rugby Union for 8 yrs.; served in S. African war (medal and 3 clasps); in Great War, 1st Otago batt.; C.M.G., D.S.O.; desp. 4 times; T.D.; farming in N. Auckland; inspector of schs., Auck. to April 1924.’
The New Zealand Gazette of 16 July 1925 records under North Auckland Regiment that ‘Lieutenant-Colonel A. B. Charters, C.M.G., D.S.O., from the Reserve of Officers, to be Lieutenant-Colonel. Dated 31st May, 1925.’ Also, under Commands is ‘Lieutenant-Colonel A. B. Charters, C.M.G., D.S.O., North Auckland Regiment, is appointed to command the 1st Battalion, and to command temporarily the 1st N.Z. Infantry Brigade. Dated 1st June, 1925.’ More entries on 18 February 1926 shows he relinquished command of the 1st Battalion North Auckland Regiment, dated 31 December 1925 and was confirmed in his appointment as Commander, 1st NZ Infantry Brigade, and granted the rank of Colonel, dated 1 June 1925. Alexander was appointed Honorary Aide-de-camp to His Excellency General Sir Charles Fergusson on 15 May 1928 but had to vacate the position when Sir Charles Fergusson vacated the position in 1930. The NZ Gazette of 27 June 1929 records that ‘Colonel A. B. Charters, C.M.G., D.S.O., V.D., A.D.C., relinquished command of the 1st N.Z. Infantry Brigade, and is transferred to the Reserve of Officers, Class 1(a). Dated 31st May, 1929.’ A letter written in 1931 to Mr A Day at Government House Wellington says something about a ‘press notification’ and that Alexander had had a distinguished war records and excellent service post-war and ‘it would appear that this officer has been in considerable financial difficulties for some time.’
Letter to him acknowledging his long and honourable service.
A record filled out for 10/1168 Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Burnet Charters of 69 Freyberg Street, Lyall Bay, Wellington (later of Kiripaka, North Auckland) showed his periods of service was 99 days in New Zealand and 4 years 92 days overseas for a total service period of 4 years and 191 days. He commenced duty on 23 October 1914 and he was finally discharged on 30 April 1919 (which had been amended from the 17th). For theatres of operation were Egyptian 1915-1916, Egyptian Expeditionary Force 1916, and Western Europe – France 1916 and 1917, Belgium 1918. The form recorded his decorations as CMG and DSO, and included a stamp which had 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal on it. A note was written on it which stated ‘Duplicate 388 made out, signed by Officer & desp. To Hqrs 8-12-20’. His history sheet records his unit was W.I.B. then O.I Regt, his rank was Major then Lieutenant Colonel, and his number was SA 5015, then 10/1168 with the 10 crossed out and 8 written, then 10/1168. Alexander Burnet Charters CMG DSO was an Inspector of Schools with his last employer was Education board of District of Wellington. He was born on 30 June 1876, religion was Presbyterian and his last address was 69 Tainui Terrace, Lyall Bay, Wellington. His next of kin was his wife, Mrs Eliza Caroline Charters of the same address. His service record has a stamp on it ‘Died Since Discharge’. It records he died of illness on 10 May 1948 at Hastings.
Alexander was Commanding Officer of Northland Regiment from 1926 to 1928, Colonel and Commander 1 New Zealand Infantry Brigade in 1925, and Aide-de-Camp to the Governor General from 1928 to 1930.
Having lost his life insurance policy, Alexander applied to the Government to issue a new copy policy, which they did in November 1927. They had noted he was ‘formerly of Wellington and Kiripaka, but now of Whangarei, Schoolmaster’.
In 1930 Alexander was involved in a court case, where he was the defendant. His address was recorded as Whangarei. Alexander had been leased some land in 1927 for three years. A house on that land was altered by him, but ‘the alterations were constructed of inferior materials and in such an unworkmanlike manner that the house fell into a state of disrepair.’ The complainant had the house repaired but Alexander would not pay for it. After much discussion an adjournment was made, during which a settlement was reached. It was reported in the Northern Advocate of 11 November 1930 on Page 3.
The New Zealand Gazette of 23 July 1936 had an entry under Reserve of Officers Class 1 (a)- for ‘Colonel A. B. Charters, C.M.G., D.S.O., V.D., is posted to the Retired List with permission to retain his rank and wear the prescribed uniform. Dated 1st July, 1936.’
He wrote a letter on 4 June 1940, while headmaster of Lyall Bay School at Wellington, to an old service partner who was still in the army, asking if there was any way he could help in the current war. The letter goes on to outline his service in the Boer and ‘Great War’ and gives an outline of some rolls he could fill, even at his age of 64. A copy of the 6-page letter is in his file at the museum. On 31 January 1942 he wrote to Army Headquarters at Wellington stating his address was ‘Business – Lyall Bay School Wellington E3 Telephone 18-668 Home: 480 Evans Bay Road Wellington E2.’
Alexander died on 10 May 1948 from natural causes, age 71 at Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. His death notice was published in Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25494 of 14 May 1948 on Page 1 and reads ‘CHARTERS – On May 10, at Hastings, H.B., Colonel Alexander Burnet, dearly loved brother of Cecil and Tom Charters, and of Mesdames Annie Hunt and Muriel McCure.’ He is buried in Hastings Cemetery in Block O, Plot 341. His gravestone says ‘In Loving Memory of Alexander Burnet Charters S.A. and 1st World War Veteran Beloved Father of Jack and Noeline Died 1st May 1948’.
His obituary was published in the Northern Advocate of 11 May 1948 on Page 2. It reads ‘Mr Alexander Burnet Charters, M.A., for eight years principal of the Whangarei High School, died at Hastings yesterday. He was head-master at Whangarei from 1924 to 1932. Born in Christchurch in 1876 Mr Charters was educated at the Opawa and West Christchurch primary schools. He gained the Somes Scholarship and entered Christ’s College, where he matriculated. His first appointment was as a pupil-teacher at Opawa School. Gaining his D certificate he entered the teachers’ training college. Mr Charters then became assistant master at Inglewood, Clyde Quay, and Thorndon Schools (Wellington), second assistant at Masterton District High School. His first appointment as headmaster was at Greytown District High School in 1907. Mr Charters took university courses at Canterbury College and Victoria College (Wellington) graduating M.A. in 1908. He became inspector of schools in Wellington in 1912 and from 1921-24 in Auckland. Mr Charters served in the Boer War as a regimental sergeant-major and was awarded the South African War Medal and three clasps. He attained the rank of colonel in the First World War, during the greater part of which he commanded the 1st Battalion of the Otago Regiment with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He served with the New Zealand Division in all big engagements on the Western Front, receiving the C.M.G., D.S.O. and V.D., and was four times mentioned in despatches. He was an honorary aide-de-camp to the Governor General from 1928 to 1930. Mr Charters had an extensive athletic career. He represented the Union Rowing Club at Christchurch regattas, played in the Athletic senior XV, Wellington, for several years, was chairman of the Wairarapa Rugby Union for eight years, and refereed many inter-union matches. During the tour of the Anglo-Welsh Rugby team in 1908 he was appointed to referee three matches. Mr Charters is survived by his wife, one son, Mr Jack Charters, of Hastings, and a daughter, Noeline (Mrs Duxfield).’
His medals are Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (CMG), Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), Queen’s South Africa Medal (with Cape Colony, Transvaal, South Africa 1902 clasps), 1914-15 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal with oak leaf (MiD), Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers’ Decoration (VD), Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal, New Zealand Long and Efficient Service Medal, New Zealand Volunteer 12 Years’ Service Medal.
ANZAC Biographies
On our website you will find the biographical details of ANZAC (as well as British) servicemen & women
whose medals or other memorabilia form part of the collection on display at the
Maryborough Military & Colonial Museum,
Maryborough, Queensland, Australia.