Charles Dorman was at Oxford in 1939 and like so many of his contemporaries volunteered immediately. He was commissioned into the 3rd Hussars and joined in Cyprus in 1941.
He served at Regimental duty for the rest of the war, including El Alamein and the Italian campaign. At Alamein his tank received a direct hit on the turret ring, jamming the traverse.
However, the elevating gear was still working and he remained in action laying the gun by directing the driver.
This unorthodox and original method was highly successful and accounted for more than one enemy gun.
For this, he was awarded a well-merited MC.
Brave, unorthodox and original sums up Charles. He was never hesitant in expressing his opinions, however unconventional, and was unlikely to change them. He had a sharp intellect and the unusual distinction of graduating from both the Staff College and the Military College of Science.
He transferred to the 13/18th Hussars after the war but with his technical ability and intellect, based upon hard practical experience, he was clearly destined for the Weapons Staff, where he spent most of his service. His chief recreation was gliding, at which he achieved considerable proficiency.
He retired in 1970 and farmed in Oxfordshire where in later years he took great pleasure in the company of his grandchildren.
