LOST tales of a Fairfield soldier killed in one of the First World War’s bloodiest battles will be reignited thanks to a poignant visit to his grave on the 100th anniversary of his death.

Charles Tranter served as a gunner in the 129th Battery 42nd Brigade Royal Field Artillery when he was killed at the Battle of Passchendaele on October 15, 1917.

His grandson Andrew, 47, has known little detail about his life and war efforts as Charles’ children and wife died before he was born.

He was inspired to research into his life after watching ‘Dunkirk’, and discovered untold tales from a 1917 Bromsgrove Messenger report on his death.

In it Charles was uncovered as a “well-known local footballer” and captain of Fairfield Villa.

A “brave soldier”, he had some “marvellous escapes” from prominent battles including Marne, Aisne, Somme, and the famous retreat from Mons.

He was latterly involved in the Battle of Passchendaele – a three-month defence of the Belgian city of Ypres, which cost 325,000 Allied lives.

Charles was wounded in battle but refused to leave his comrades. He was shortly shot again and killed.

Inspired by his findings and upon discovering the location of Charles' grave, Mr Tranter will now travel some 300-miles to the Railway Dugouts Burial Ground outside Ypres for the very first time on Sunday - the 100th anniversary of his death.

And in bringing his 17-year-old daughter Imogen with him, he hopes lost tales of his grandad’s sacrifice can now remain in the family for future generations.

He said: “My dad Edgar was born after my grandad died and everybody else died a long time ago, so the chance to talk about him to those who knew him was lost.

“He joined the regiment in 1899 so it is very rare to have history going back that far. From researching about him he sounds like a brave and a well-respected man.

“As it is the 100th anniversary of his death I thought it was important to go.

“It is important for my children to learn about him and to pass that knowledge on and learn about the sacrifices that he and others made.

“If it wasn’t for them you could not imagine what the world would be like now.”

As well as visiting his grave, the duo will attend a moving ceremony under the Menin Gate in Ypres in remembrance of Charles and his comrades.

Andrew added: “It will be a poignant and emotional trip, but an important one. His grave is just behind the lines from where he was killed so that in itself will be quite emotional.”