Hull worked as a postman in Harrogate before enlisting in the 21st Lancers (Empress of India's) in 1907, where he was a shoeing-smith making and fitting horseshoes.

[1] On 5 September 1915 Hull was a 25-years-old private when he rescued an officer from certain death at the hands of tribesmen at Hafiz Kor on the North West Frontier of British India, an action for which he was awarded the VC.

The citation was published in the London Gazette on 3 March 1916 and read: "1053 Private (Shoeing-Smith) Charles Hull, 21st Lancers.

When under close fire of the enemy, who were within a few yards, he rescued Captain G. E. D. Learoyd, whose horse had been shot, by taking him up behind him and galloping into safety.

Shoeing-Smith Hull acted entirely on his own initiative, and saved his officer's life at the imminent risk of his own.