Charles Philip Uhrich

Royal Air Force (Commonwealth)

14 Wing, 28 Squadron

WW I

Charles (Chas) Philip was born on 22 August 1893, a son to Philip and Anna (Loustilova) Uhrich, and was the oldest of 15 children. He worked as a law student with Messrs. McDonald, Craig, Ross, and Tarr, a Winnipeg law firm, prior to enlisting for overseas service in the spring of 1917. His ability to speak German was noted on enlistment.

He graduated from Arial Gunnery School in December 1917 and was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant (Lt.) Royal Flying Corps, on probation. His probation on rank was removed 30 March 1918 when his rank and status was confirmed as 2nd Lt, F.O. (Flying Officer) Uhrich. He continued training and was eventually posted to 14 Wing, 13 June 1918 and 9 days later, 22 June, to 28 Squadron (Sqn) of 14 Wing.

28 Sqn was founded on 7 November 1915 and consisted of a large number of Commonwealth airmen. In October of 1917, 28 Sqn was sent to Italy to counter the Austrian advances there. The Sopwith Camels, the front line fighter aircraft of 28 Sqn, were heavily involved supporting ground attacks in the area of bridges over the Piave River. The Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service were amalgamated on 1 April 1918 to form the Royal Air Force.

A Winnipeg newspaper carried the following announcement, “Lieut. Chas P. Uhrich, son of Mr. and Mrs Philip Uhrich, Winkler, Man., has been reported killed in action June 24. He had enlisted with the Royal Flying Corps a year ago and was formerly a law student with Messrs. McDonald, Craig, Ross and Tarr of this city, (Winnipeg).”

Lieutenant Uhrich, a Sopwith Camel pilot and had arrived at 28 Sqn 22 June 1918, just two days prior to his death. According to the “The Camel File”, Uhrich was killed in Camel B9306 when he spun in from 2,000 feet while on a practice flight, crashing at Isola di Catura.

Lieutenant Charles Philip Uhrich is buried in the Montecchio Precalcino Communal Cemetery, Italy, Plot 4, Row A, Grave 1.

Lieutenant Charles Philip Uhrich is commemorated on;

On Page 595 of the First World War Book of Remembrance, located in the Memorial Chamber of The Peace Tower of the Canadian Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, Ontario.

On the Winkler War Memorial in Winkler, Manitoba.

On the Morden/Stanley war Memorial in Morden, Manitoba.

And The Royal Air Force list of casualties.

Information from Library and Archives Canada, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and The Aerodrome Forum.