It is with great regret that Gallipoli & Dardanelles International announces the death of its oldest member. Dr Charles PROFIZI died on 23 September 2015 in his home at Toulon in France. Charles was aged 100 years. He was just five days old when his father, a Sub-Lieutenant in the French army, was wounded at Keveres Dere at Gallipoli. He was probably the one surviving child of a Gallipoli veteran who was alive at the time of the ill-fated 1915 campaign.
Charles lived a very full life. He served his country in the ‘Resistance’ during World War Two, then went on to become a medical doctor and eye surgeon. He was highly decorated and remained very active and respected in many organisations, including:
Knight of the Legion d’honneur
Knight of the National Order of Merit
The Volunteer Combatant Cross
Croix de Guerre 1939-cross, War 1939-45
The Nation award
Pupil of the Nation
Member of the Organisation Resistance Army
Member of the French Forces of the Interior
Co-founder of the Maquis C3 and C5 of the Vercors
Vice-president of the Volunteer Fighters of Toulon
Founder Vice president of Rhine and Danube de Toulon
Founding President of the Tennis Club of the Coast
Founder Vice president of the Society of the Regatta
PT founder of the Association for the Museum of Toulon
Although frail and suffering ill health, Charles invited President John Crowe to visit him in Toulon for lunch on 28 August 2015. He was still very optimistic and wished to live for another ten years.
Gallipoli & Dardanelles International were honoured to have him as a member and extend their sympathy to his family and friends.
