Charles Blagden

1870 – 1917

Private. Sergeant 47502

Died of wounds on 17 Mar 1917

Welsh Regiment

The Welsh Regiment, a line infantry regiment, served extensively during the First World War, primarily on the Western Front. They were notably involved in the Battle of Loos in 1915, where they faced heavy casualties, and the Battle of the Somme in 1916, capturing key positions at Mametz Wood at great cost. The regiment also served in Gallipoli with the 1/6th Battalion, enduring harsh conditions. Known for their fierce fighting spirit, the Welsh Regiment earned numerous battle honors for their contributions.

Meet the Family

St Mary's churchyard, Kelvedon

Church St, Kelvedon, Colchester CO5 9AL, England

British War Medal

The British War Medal was awarded to officers and men of British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or served overseas between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918, with eligibility later extended to services in Russia, Siberia, and other areas in 1919 and 1920..

Approximately 6.5 million were struck in silver, and 110,000 in bronze for certain labour corps (e.g., Chinese, Maltese, and Indian). The medal weighs about one ounce, and its silver composition sometimes led to it being pawned or melted down for scrap value during tough economic times post-war. It was nicknamed “Squeak” when paired with the Victory Medal (“Wilfred”) in the popular trio.

Victory Medal

The Victory Medal, also known as the Inter-Allied Victory Medal, was awarded to all who received the 1914 Star or 1914-15 Star, and to most who received the British War Medal, for service in a theatre of war between 5 August 1914 and 11 November 1918..

It was extended to include mine clearance in the North Sea until 30 November 1919 and the Allied intervention in the Russian Civil War until 1 July 1920. Approximately 5.7 million were issued across the British Empire. Each Allied nation designed its own version, but all shared a common ribbon and the winged Victory figure on the obverse. It was nicknamed “Wilfred” in the “Pip, Squeak, and Wilfred” trio.