TONGE, Charles Geoffrey (1897-1975)
Born at Yarra Glen 4 August 1897. Son of James Tonge and Johanna Nink. The Tonge family lived in Yarra Glen from 1892 until about 1921.
Charles enlisted 23 October 1914 at age 17. Prior to enlistment he was employed as a gardener. Charles was a bombardier with the 14th Field Artillery Brigade when he left Australia on the Hessen 2 February 1915. He joined the M.E.F. at Gallipoli on 30 April 1915 and served there until October when he was admitted to hospital in Malta suffering from dysentery. Charles was transferred to France in June 1916 and spent the next two years in France. He was wounded in action and also received gas poisoning. He returned to Australia 12 Jan 1919
