Charles was commissioned into the Regiment as a 2nd Lieutenant on the 13th of August 1879 and was promoted to Lieutenant on the 1st of January 1881, Captain (on the 4th of June 1885) and Major (on the 21st of October 1896).  

In the same year as being made Captain, Charles served in the Matabeleland Operation of 1896-97, also referred to as the Second Matabele War or Matabeleland Rebellion. Charles was mentioned in despatches during this conflict. Charles continued to serve in Africa and was on the staff during the Boer War of 1899-1902, fighting in numerous campaigns across the country, where he was further mentioned in despatches, twice.  

Following the Boer War and prior to the outbreak of the Great War of 1914-18, Charles was further promoted and would go on to command the 1st Battalion. On the 11th of February 1904 he was made a Lieutenant Colonel, and on the 5th of April 1906 he was promoted to Colonel.  

In 1911 he was awarded the Delhi Durbar Medal following the succession of the new Emperor of India (George V).  

Charles continued to serve with the 1st Battalion during the Great War as Brigade Commander and Area Commandant.  

He sadly passed away at Brighton on the 19th of September 1926.