Charles Edwin Robinson was born in Brafferton 1896 and baptized August 2, 1896 at St. Andrew's Church, Aycliffe. His parents were William Marshall Robinson, born Aycliffe 1860, and Emily Florence Lovett, born 1864 in Launceston, Tasmania. They had married 1886 in Victoria, Australia and at least 1 child, Eleanor Mary, was born 1894 in Wimmera, Victoria, Australia. William Marshall Robinson was a joiner working for a builder in the 1911 census. He had had 7 children, 1 of whom had died.

Charles Edwin Robinson had attested June 23, 1915 at Thornaby on Tees. He was 19 years old and an apprentice joiner. He joined the 227th Field Coy., Royal Engineers, Sapper 104149. Charles was tested and received a Proficiency Certificate which found him very good. September 8, 1915 Charles was at Marton Hall.

Charles was wounded in his right shoulder by a bullet and taken prisoner March 28, 1918 at Peronne. His last place of internment was Stralsund, Germany. May 31, 1918 Charles' mother Emily sent a letter to the Royal Engineers at Chatham, enquiring as to whether she was entitled to her allowance which had been made by her son to her. June 14 Emily was asked to send the correspondence she had received from her son stating that he was a prisoner of war. Emily sent this June 17, asking for it to be returned to her when they had done with it. Charles' letter was forwarded to the Secretary of the Royal Engineers Prisoner of War Fund.

Charles was repatriated to Hull, arriving at the camp December 30, 1918. He departed the camp January 1, 1919. Charles was demobbed April 9, 1919.

Charles was one of the repatriated prisoners of war that were guests at the 'Welcome Home Dinner, Concert and Dance' given by the Darlington Committee for the Entertainment of Wounded Soldiers. This was held at the Temperance Hall, Darlington, May 7, 1919.