Charles Garthwaite was serving in the 2nd Battalion of the Otago Infantry Regiment when German forces attacked, after a strong artillery barrage, on July 25 at a places called Rossignol Wood. The action is described in the Otagos' "Official History."
Along the front of the 2nd Battalion of the Regiment the enemy attacked in much greater strength. Here again, after taking advantage of the cover provided by the several disused saps, they advanced over the open as their barrage lifted from our line, and delivered their assault in three sections, each at an estimated strength of 40. On the right flank the enemy overwhelmed the garrison and penetrated the line. At all other points the assault was most effectively smashed. The platoons held in readiness in Moa trench were at once organised for counter-attack against the invasion. Under the command of Lieut. C. F. Atmore they advanced against the enemy, supported by a small party under 2nd-Lieut. E. Malcolm, which crossed over the open and went straight to its objective with the bayonet. This combined counter-stroke was driven home with such determination and skill that the whole of the enemy who had penetrated our trenches were either killed or wounded, allowing the line to be firmly re-established. The determined leadership of Lieut. C. B. McClure, M.C., throughout the two days' operations had contributed largely to the success achieved.
Altogether about 30 prisoners, the majority of whom were wounded, were left in our hands; and along the front of the 2nd Battalion, where the weight of the attack fell, close on 60 enemy dead were counted. In addition to the casualties inflicted by the trench garrisons, the enemy when retreating undoubtedly suffered from our artillery fire.
Subsequently enemy troops were reported to be massing in the locality of Fork Wood, east of Rossignol Wood, a development which was effectively dealt with by our heavy artillery. This was followed by a brief period of retaliatory shelling, directed mainly to High Street, after which the situation became entirely normal. Had the bombardment and counter-attack opened but a few minutes later the Regiment would have been caught in the middle of a relief; a process involving a dangerous congestion of troops in the forward system. Fortunately there was time to despatch orders to the approaching relief to stand fast until the situation had cleared. When relief was accomplished an hour or two later the Regiment handed over to the incoming troops of the 3rd Brigade a system of trenches in many places completely flattened out by the weight of the bombardment.
The enemy's casualties in the concluding operation were clearly heavy; our own losses, due to the exceptional severity of the several bombardments directed against our lines, were by the close of the day also severe.
PRIVATE C. P. GARTHWAITE.
Private Charles Patrick Garthwaite, reported dangerously ill from gunshot wounds in the chest, enlisted with the 14th Reinforcements. He was born at Castle Rock and educated locally and at Lumsden. "Paddy” was the youngest son of the late Mr John Garthwaite. He was a keen follower of all popular sports, football bong his favourite. Previous to enlisting he was employed as a high country musterer. -Southland Tmes, 7/8/1918.
ATHOL NOTES
Our little community was much grieved to hear of the death of another of our brave soldier lads, namely, Private C. Patrick Garthwaite, who died of wounds on July 29th. He left N.Z. with the 14th Reinforcements, and was in his 27th year at the time of his death. He was the son of the late John and Margaret Garthwaite of Castle Rock, and was a brother of Mrs Andrew Gibson and Jack Garthwaite of Athol. Alter his parents' death he came to Athol and made his home with his sister, to whom his death has come as a great blow. He was a fine manly noble lad and had a cheery word and a smile for everybody, old and young. He joined in every kind of sport. Private Garthwaite was a first-class high country musterer. This is the second Athol lad to give his life for his country, the other being Trooper Samuel Parker. I might mention that Mrs Gibson's only son is also at the front, and it is the fervent wish of our people that he may be spared to return to his parents safe and sound. -Lake Wakatip Mail, 20/8/1918.
FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.
GARTHWAITE. — In loving memory of our dear brother, Private Charles Patrick (Pat) Garthwaite (14th Reinforcements), who died of wounds received in France. Buried at Doullens, July 29, 1918; aged 27.
We who loved him sadly miss him As it dawns another year;
In the lonely hours of thinking, Thoughts of him are very dear.
When we see the boys returning, Our hearts do throb with pain
To think you are not there, Pat, And will never come back again.
— Inserted by his loving sister and brother-in-law, L. and A. Gibson. -Southland Times, 29/7/1919.
FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE.
IN MEMORIAM
GARTHWAITE. — In loving memory of Private C. P. Garthwaite, who died from wounds in France, July 29, 1918.
"To memory, ever dear." — Inserted, by M. C., Oamaru. -Otago Witness, 3/8/1920.
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