Daughter of Gallipoli signalman Charles Dunderdale Gill recalls his courage at the Somme and “shooting biscuit tins”

Gallipoli signalman Charles Dunderdale Gill always downplayed his service but his 91-year-old daughter is still incredibly proud.

CHARLES Gill always downplayed his war service.

His daughter Delma Goldsworthy says when he was asked why he received a Military Medal he would answer the same way.

“His only reply was ‘I got it for killing cats in the trenches or shooting biscuit tins’,” Mrs Goldsworthy, 91, says.

Charles Gill in World War I. Picture: Dave Cronin.

In truth, the signalman was decorated for his bravery on the Somme.

The letter of recommendation for the medal says Gill “displayed great coolness and gallantry” to maintain communications under fire.

“His untiring energy and the manner in which he repaired telephone cables, despite the enemy barrage, were a fine example to his men,” the recommendation read.

“He maintained continuous communication between the Battalions and the Forward Station during the above period.”

Gill was born in Port Pirie on April 6, 1895.

The telegraph engineer enlisted in the 10th Battalion on August 19, 1914, shortly after the outbreak of the war – as illustrated by his number 8 service number.

He served at Gallipoli, but hardly mentioned the campaign after the war.

Delma Goldworthy's, 91, recalling stories from her father Charles Dunderdale Gill, who served in WWI. Pic: Dave Cronin

“The only thing he told me was it was terribly difficult to maintain control of the morse code lights with his legs over the rails during the stormy weather when they landed,” Mrs Goldsworthy says.

He survived Gallipoli and also survived being shot in the face and hand on the Western Front in May 1917.

After convalescing in England he served at the front until the end of the war.

Afterwards, he returned to a job in the post office.

He lived until 86 and was dearly loved, Mrs Goldsworthy, of North Plympton, says.

“He was a wonderful man,” she says.

A proud daughter. Picture: Dave Cronin.

“He never drank, never smoked and never swore – I think I heard him say ‘damn’ once.

“He was a lovely, generous, Victorian-type father.”

THIS story is part of Messenger’s 100 Years, 100 Days, 100 Stories project, which will profile 100 South Australian World War I heroes as the nation builds up to the centenary of the Allied landing on Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. If you have the details and war record of a family member who served during World War I, let us know. Please go to your local Messenger’s Facebook page and send us the details.