About Charles Pfordten

Charles Herbert Pfordten was born in March 1888 in Java to Frederick & Augusta Pfordten. Frederick Pfordten owned a cable company and the family lived in many places including Cocos Islands, Java, Hong Kong and Maccau.

Broome Connection

Charles Pfordten first appeared in Broome as a cable operator and telegraphist in 1909. He continued in this role until 1912, when he left Broome, but returned to pursue pearling interests.

War Service

The 10th Light Horse embarked from Fremantle, Western Australia, on board Transport A52 Surada on 17 February 1915 and arrived at Gallipoli on 20 May 1915.  The terrain was considered unsuitable for horses so the unit served in an unmounted role. Charles was wounded in the eye by shrapnel in July 1915 and was sent to Malta to recover. His family lived in Malta so he was able to see them there. After recuperating for a month he was returned to his unit, but became ill in September and was admitted to the 1st Australian General Hospital in Alexandria. He had recovered enough to be sent back into the field in February 1916 but contracted Cholera in August and died of the disease two days after he was admitted to hospital.

Enlistment Details

Other Online Resources

View Charles Pfordten at the National Archives of Australia
View Charles Pfordten at the Australian War Memorial