Son of James and Christina Neilson, of 7, Station Rd., Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

Company Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer Class 2) Charles Neilson (26) was born in Montrose on 27th November 1889. He graduated M.A. from Aberdeen University in 1913. As a student he was remembered as showing much promise in the Arts and as an excellent footballer. After initial training in Aberdeen he took up a post as a teacher at Lossiemouth. In September 1914 he enlisted as a Private at Peterhead into the 5th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders. which was a part-time Territorial unit which recruited from the Buchan/Formartine areas of Aberdeenshire. Charles was killed in action at Neuville-St-Vaast, France on 1st June 1916 and is buried in Maroeuil Cemetery.

His brothers, Rolland M., and James H. also fell.