Although Charles Brothers was born in St Neots, Huntingdonshire on 22 October 1882, he moved to Apethorpe in 1906.  He worked for Lord Brassey at Apethorpe Hall as a stable hand, although by the time he completed his military papers he had progressed to a groom.  In 1914 he married Lydia Monk from Southwick, and their only child, Joan was born the following year on 27^th December, at Woodnewton.

It was only three weeks before the birth of his daughter that he signed up at Peterborough to join the Royal Fuisiliers.  However, it wasn’t until 31^st May 1915, that he was mobilised, so he did get to spend a few months with his baby before he was called up.

During his 339 days with the Royal Fuisilliers, an infantry unit of the regular Army, he saw service with the 27^th, 6^th and 32^nd Battalions before finally being discharged in May 1917.  He was awarded a Silver War Badge which showed that he was honourably discharged due to wounds or sickness obtained during his time in the Army.  He was transferred to’ P’ Class of the Army Reserve which entitled him to a pension.                                                 

Image of Royal Fuisiliers Cap Badge