He was 33 years old, and a lance-corporal in the 57th Field Company, Royal Engineers, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

[5] Private Samuel Heron of the first battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers was also awarded a DCM for his part in this action.

Soon after he was born, his father was transferred to Rattray Head Coastguard Station where the family stayed for eight years while Charles went to Crimond School.

The family then moved to North Berwick where his father received the Royal Humane Society medal for bravery for rescuing two boys.

[7] After leaving school he was an apprentice plumber but was unable to complete due to the death of his mother and sister within a month and two years later his father died.