Charles Rupert Peter Winser

Charles Rupert Peter Winser was the son of the Rev. C J Winser, Rector of Adderley, Shropshire. He joined 1st Battalion South Lancashire Regiment in 1901 after service with the Militia and fought in the South African War. After an uneventful tour of duty in India, 1905–10, he returned to England as Adjutant 3rd (Militia) Battalion South Lancashire Regiment. He resigned his commission in 1913 with the rank of captain. As an officer of the Special Reserve, he was recalled on the outbreak of war, shortly after his marriage. His rise was rapid. He commanded 7th Battalion South Lancashire Regiment on the Somme, where his divisional commander Major-General Tom Bridges described him as a ‘stout fighter’.

In 1917 he assumed command of 19th Battalion Machine Gun Corps. He was promoted GOC 41st Brigade (14th (Light) Division) at the age of 37 in April 1918 following the promotion of Brigadier-General P C B Skinner to command 14th Division. This division was so badly knocked about during the German Spring Offensive that it had to be withdrawn from the Line on 6 April.

Brigadier-General Winser’s command of 41st Brigade was spent largely refitting in England. The brigade returned to France only at the end of August. Winser was succeeded by Brigadier-General W F Sweny before it saw any serious action.