Charles enlisted on 14th November 1898. He was 15 years and 11 months old, and was a Musician by trade. He served in South Africa for 3 years and 312 days. He entered the war in France on 16th August 1914 with the 4th Field Ambulance. His name appears on a list of R.A.M.C. personnel who were taken captive up to & including 31st December 1914. His address was given as Ye Old Cottage, Rectory Road, North Franborough, Hants - (kindly provided by Steve Mattocks). In the early hours of 26th August, the 4th Field Ambulance were ordered to go to Landrecies to treat and evacuate the wounded. A couple of hours after entering the town the Germans arrived, and Charles became one of 219 of the rank and file of the R.A.M.C. to be held captive there. He was taken to Germany entering Sennelager POW camp on 4th September 1914. Charles was held in Germany for 307 days. On 25th July 1915, after he had returned to the UK, he embarked for Lemnos. He joined the 41st Field Ambulance for duty on 10th June 1916. On 6th November 1916 he was appointed Lance Corporal, then on 23rd February 1917 he was appointed acting Serjeant. On 9th September 1917 he joined 131 C.C.F.A. He left Basra to return to the UK on 17th October 1918. On 13th January 1919 he was posted to serve with No 1 Coy. He was discharged from the Colours on 1st March 1920.