Remembered
On This Day, 23 April 1916

Charles Fernand Sylvain van Eleghem died on this day in 1916

Charles Fernand Sylvain Van Eleghem
Charles Fernand Sylvain Van Eleghem

Charles van Eleghem was born in Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Brussels on 1 November 1885.

He was living in Brussels when he began his military service in 1905.

By 1914, Charles was serving as an officer of the reserve when he was mobilised into service on 1st August 1914 and possibly saw some action during the Battle of Haelen.

Charles Fernand Sylvain Van Eleghem Postcard
Postcard illustrating the Battle of Haelen in 1914

In January 1915 , Charles was serving on the Yser Front with the 2nd company of the newly formed 2e bataillon de carabiniers-cyclistes and would remain on this front throughout the year and into the next.

On 23 April 1916, whilst located at Grand Fort Philippe, Pas-de-Calais, a much troubled Charles committed suicide by shooting himself in the head with his own revolver.

Charles Fernand Sylvain Van Eleghem Fort
The calvary in Grand Fort Philippe

His grave location is unrecorded.

15385 Luit. Charles Fernand Sylvain van Eleghem, 2e bataillon de carabiniers-cyclistes

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