Charles was born in Stamford in 1897 and  in 1911 his family were living at 14 St Leonard’s Street (now demolished), Stamford. His parents were David and Kate Mary (nee Dales ) Blades. 14 year old Charles was the eldest of seven children (5 sons and 2 daughters, who were all still living at home. His mother was born in Alford, Lincolnshire, his father was born in Stamford and was a labourer in an agricultural implements factory. Charles was an apprentice in a printing works.

In 1901 the family, parents, Charles (3), Albert (2) and Dorothy (1) were living at 141 Westwood Street, Peterborough. Here their father was a hairdresser. Whilst in Peterborough Reginald, Roseate and Frank were born. Alfred was born in 1910 in Sheffield, Yorkshire.

Charles was mobilised in 1916 joining the Royal Navy where a  Charles W Blades (M26483) served on HMS Constance as a Wireman, second class. Wireman was the naval term for electricians on board ship.

HMS Constance was commissioned into service in the Royal Navy in January 1916, Constance was assigned to the 4th Light Cruiser Squadron of the Grand Fleet from her commissioning until 1919, taking part in the Battle of Jutland on 31 May-1 June 1916. Charles received the British and Victory Medals.

In 1922 Charles married Dorothy Lily Baldock in Stamford. Their daughter was born in Stamford in 1923.

Charles aged 57 died in hospital in Peterborough in 1954. He and his wife were then living at 122 Lincoln Road, Walton, Peterborough. His wife was his beneficiary. She died in Peterborough in 1988