Charles Hedley Gribble was born in Ballarat and was a Salesman by trade when he enlisted in the 8th Light Horse Regiment, Machine Gun Section on 20 October 1914 at the age of 20. His unit embarked from Melbourne, Victoria, on board TRANSPORT A16 Star Of Victoria on 25 February 1915. In May 1915 he came ashore at Gallipoli but was evacuated, suffering from influenza, on July 31st. This may have been fortuitous for him as it was just five days before the tragic charge at The Nek which cost the lives of so many of his 8th Light Horse comrades. He was hospitalised first in Egypt then transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in England. He rejoined his unit in April 1916. In mid-December 1916 he successfully undertook a trade test and joined the 68th Squadron Royal Flying Corps, first as an instrument repairer then as an armourer. In September 1917 he returned to France attached to the 2nd Squadron Australian Flying Corps. After the war he returned to Australia on the Lancashire, disembarking at Melbourne on March 31st 1919.

Charles had two brothers that also served. Gunner Ernest John Gribble (Tree No. 630), died of wounds, 1 October 1917 and Lt Frederick William Gribble (Tree No. 26), returned to Australia, 28 March 1919.
Tree No 316