Charles Fry enlisted in the DCLI (Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry) 1st Battalion probably late 1916 or early 1917. He would have spent time at Victoria Barracks Bodmin for initial training with field exercises on Bodmin Moor and Dartmoor.
 
1st Battalion
August 1914 : in Ireland. Part of 14th Brigade, 5th Division 12 January 1916 : transferred to 95th Brigade, 5th Division

Summary history of the 5th Division
When war was declared in August 1914, this regular army Division was in barracks in Ireland. It moved immediately to France, following pre-war planning. The men of the original units were amongst the first to see action, at Mons on 23 August 1914.

The Battle of Monsand The Action of Elouges
The Battle of Le Cateauand the Affair of Crepy en Valois
The Battle of the Marne
The Battle of the Aisne
The Battle of La Bassee
The Battle of Messines 1914
First Battle of Ypres
Capture of Hill 60
The Second Battle of Ypres (13th Brigade)

In late 1915, many units were switched for those of 32nd Division, a newly arrived volunteer formation. The idea was to strengthen – “stiffen” in the jargon of the time – the inexperienced Division by mixing in some regular army troops – even though by now many of the pre-war regulars had gone and the “regular” battalions themselves were often largely composed of new recruits.
 
It is at his point that it is believe that Charles joined his unit. 
March 1916 saw a move, with 5th Division taking over a section of front line between St Laurent Blangy and the southern edge of Vimy Ridge, in front of Arras. This was a lively time, with many trench raids, sniping and mining activities in the front lines.

When the Franco-British offensive opened on the Somme on 1 July 1916, the 5th Division was enjoying a period of rest and re-fit, in GHQ Reserve. However, this restful time was not destined to last for a move began towards the battle.

The Attacks on High Wood (second phase of the Battle of the Somme)
The Battle of Guillemont (fourth phase)
The Battle of Flers-Courcelette (sixth phase)
The Battle of Morval (seventh phase)
The Battle of Le Transloy (eighth)

By 5 October, 5th Division had left the Somme and was now holding a quieter line near Festubert. There was a constant threat from enemy artillery and sniper fire, but in comparison with the Somme it was a relatively tranquil period that lasted until March 1917.
The Battle of Vimy (first phase of the ArrasOffensive)
The Attack on La Coulotte (second phase)
The Third Battle of the Scarpe (fourth phase)This action included the capture by the Division of Oppy Wood.

On 7 September 1917, the Division was relieved and moved out of the line for a period, being sent next to join the great offensive in Flanders, which is officially called the Third Battle of Ypres but is perhaps better known as Passchendaele.
The Battle of the Polygon Wood (fourth phase of the Third Battle of Ypres)
The Battle of Broodseinde (fifth phase)
The Battle of Poelcapelle (sixth phase)
The Second Battle of Passchendaele (eighth phase)
 
Charles would  not have been in all the battles listed that the 5th Division fought, however the battles affected all the troops on the fighting front.
 
Charles was killed on 9th Nov 17 1917

Quote -  2nd Battle of Passchendale 26th Oct - 11 Nov 1917  - 1st Bn DCLI  was held in reserve until 5th Nov when it moved up to the front, for the attack on Polderhoek Chateau. Despite valiant efforts and heavy shelling together with machine gun fire all movements came to a halt. That afternoon it was ordered to pull back.

Battalion strength after a few hours fighting - Start 16 Officers 300 other ranks.

Reduced to 5 Officers 177 Other ranks.    End of Quote.

Charles Fry was awarded the Victory Medal - British War Medal.  His family would have had his medals, his name and number engraved on the rim, also the bronze plaque (known as Dead Mans Penny) see British Armed Forces to explain>>>

Charles would have endured a living hell in the months prior to his death and he did well to survive as long as he did.