Obituaries Australia

Charles Lee, c.1915

State Library of Queensland, 338046

Lieut.-Col. Charles Arthur Lee, son of Mr C. A. Lee M.L.A., died at Tenterfield on Wednesday at the age of 44 years. The deceased was born in Tenterfield, and, in his early life, was employed by the Australian Joint Stock Bank, Queensland. When the South African war broke out, he, being an officer, was offered a commission. He quitted the service of the bank and enlisted. Meantime all the available officerships had been filled, and he enlisted as a private, and served throughout practically the whole of the war. He was present when Cronje surrendered, and was then transferred to the Mafeking front, where he contracted enteric fever. On recovering he was sent on leave to England, and later returned to South Africa, remaining there until peace was signed. At the conclusion of the war he returned to Australia for a few weeks, but went back to South Africa again, and stayed there for several years as confidential authority in connection with a large gold mine. He again sailed for Australia, and settled at Beverley, Stanthorpe, where he carried on tin mining. Upon the outbreak of the present war, being a reserve officer, he offered himself for service at once, and was accepted. He went to Gallipoli, where he served many mouths. After the evacuation he returned to Egypt and took charge of the Fourth Light Horse Brigade, seeing continuous service until the Senussi were completely defeated. Then he proceeded to Palestine, and was present at the taking of Beersheba and Jerusalem. He was promoted and given command of the 4th Camel Corps. After reaching the Jordan he became very unwell owing to shell shock, and the effects of gas, and was given home leave. Upon arrival in Australia his condition became worse, and he was placed in a military hospital in Brisbane. He was there for five months, when he returned to his father's home in Tenterfield. His condition became serious, and he passed away suddenly, shattered nerves being the immediate cause of death.