Captain Charles Henry Gould

Charles (Chas) Henry Gould was a captain in the 6th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force. Aged 30 and unmarried, Gould enlisted in the AIF in December 1914. At the time of enlistment, Gould's profession was as a signwriter. During his service he employed his artistic talents to record his experiences and observations of the war.

He served on Gallipoli with the 6 Battalion until evacuation and was awarded the Military Medal for serving “with the battalion in all operations since the 6th May 1916. Was wounded at Cape Helles but continued to advance and remain the firing line for 3 days. At Steele’s Post in July 1915 he displayed untiring energy and devotion to duty when in charge of a crater.” On the Western Front Gould was Mentioned in Despatches twice and promoted to Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant in April 1916 and later Captain. He can be seen in several photographs in the collection including a portrait H05562 and with the group of 6th Battalion Officers at Ailly Le Haut Clocher, France.

On the Western Front Charles Gould co-edited with Frank Noonan the 6th Battalion’s satirical newssheet "Ca ne fait rien" meaning no worries. Gould produced most of the artistic works with Noonan producing the text. Gould returned from the war to Australia in and enlisted with the CMF during the Second World War.