| Rank | Private |
| Service # | 123939 |
| Unit # | 70th / PPCLI |
| Resident | Tilbury |
Born in Comber, Essex Co., ON., the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Reaume. They lived for a time in Chatham before moving to Tilbury prior to the Great War. Brother of James J. 251730 and Louis J. 123940. Charles went overseas with the 20th Bn. serving two years with the P.P.C.L.I. and one year with the Machine Gun Division.
He married Connie (nee Ouellette) and they had a daughter Jeannie (Fontaine).
The Tilbury Times, Thursday
6 December, 1917.
Tilbury Wounded Returning
“Word received Monday that Louis Reaume of this place, who left here with the 70th Battalion last year has been in the trenches 17 months has been sent home. His left arm from the elbow down is helpless from his wound. His brother Charles who left with him is also wounded and is expected back as well. A third brother James in now on his way to France.”
The Tilbury Times, Thursday
6 June, 1918.
Letters From the Front.
Miss Marie Reaume received the following letter from her brother Charles who is in France.
Somewhere in France,
3 May, 1918.
Dear sister Marie:
It is impossible for me to give you any excuse for not answering your letter sooner, except to say that I had not felt very much like writing we all have that feeling once in a while and I believe that you will agree with me, however it is not my duty to act this way and I hope that you will forgive me for keeping you waiting so long. There has been nothing much to write about tonight. I have a little bit of news which may interest you and also make mother feel happy. It was some time ago that I heard from James saying that he had arrived safely in France and that he would soon be up the line. Well I did not know when I would get the opportunity of seeing him, the chances seem very small as we were to be in the trenches for sometime, and the chances were that while we were out he would be in the trenches but I hoped for the best. My chance came sooner than expected; it was last Saturday that I heard they would be coming out soon. So on Sunday I started to find him and after walking about ten miles that I located his battalion and it was not long before I found out where his platoon was, and there I found him, he was busy cleaning himself up. Just I came quite close to him he looked up and saw me. I need not go into details about how he looked or how he felt, but there was no more cleaning up that afternoon, he no sooner saw me than gave one run, and his hand was in mine. It certainly was good to see him, even out here, to be able to shake the hand of one from home was surely a great pleasure, and James, he was more pleased than I could tell you. I could not help but notice the joy which he experienced, of course he was surprised to see me because I never had time to let him know. As for myself, I dare not to say how I felt, but nearly cried when I found him. After being through so much for twenty-four months and then be alive to meet one from home was enough to make a man break down from sheer joy. We had supper together that night. We went for a walk after supper and we talked of home and do you know it was like music to me to hear about you all. I remained with him as long as I could and I must say it was the happiest afternoon of many months. I did not like to leave him there alone, he was looking fine, and feeling fine, but he seemed so young and small to be out here. Yes, Marie, I know that he would have had to come out, but it is a shame to have them out here while they are so young. I have seen him every night since and we had many a talk of bygone days, of home, of friends and many other things. They have gone back for a rest now and I am glad of that. I do not know when we shall meet again. I hope that it is soon. I am not with the P.P.C.I.L. now. My address is as follows: Pte. Chas. Reaume, No. 123939, P.P.C.L.I. Special M.G. Depot Canadian Corps, B.E.F., France. With love to all I remain.
Charles.
The Reaume brothers Charles and James would survive the conflicts of the Great War arrived back at their old ‘hometown’and the reception was recorded as follows:
The Tilbury Times, Thursday
19 May 1919.
Two Tilbury Heroes Given a Fitting Reception.
“Private James Reaume and Private Charles Reaume, brothers of this place returned Tuesday [May 17th] from overseas. They both participated in the march to Germany, and were given a rousing reception at the M.C.R. [Michigan Central Railway] depot by a large and enthusiastic crowd, accompanied by the Tilbury band.
Charles Reaume, who is aged 27 left 3 ½ years ago with the 70th Battalion and was transferred to the Princess Pats [Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry] with his brother Louis, who returned six weeks ago. He has been although the Somme battle, Vimy Ridge and many other engagements. He has two wound stripes, being struck in the left wrist and right hand. He is excellent health and has enjoyed his experiences to the utmost.”
After the war Charles work for Canadian Top & Body leaving that in 1932 to become the Post Master for Tilbury which he did until retiring in August of 1961.
Charles passed away 17 October, 1977 at Hotel Dieu, Windsor, ON. Internment at Heavenly Rest Cemetery.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Sources | Chatham Daily Planet (15-11-1917), IODE(N), TT (6/12/17), TT (6/06/17), TT (6/06/18), TT (19/05/19), TT (10/08/61) (20/10/77 Obit) |
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