Charles Douglas was the son of Mr T. Douglas of Westport.

He was educated at Westport Technical High School and passed University Entrance and School Certificate examinations. He was dux of the school on one occasion. On leaving school he was employed by the New Zealand Government Labour Department, Employment Division, Greymouth. Later he transferred to the Public Works Department, Greymouth. He was interested in swimming, cricket, football, tennis and shooting and was a member of the First XV and First XI at school.

He applied to enrol in the Civil Reserve of Pilots on 5 March 1938 but his application was deferred for medical reasons. In March 1939 he was selected. His flying training began on 1 April 1939 and in July he passed the practical and oral A Licence tests. In October that year he applied for war service training as an airman pilot. He enlised at Levin on 19 November 1939 and on completion of his initial training was posted to No. 1 Elementary Flying Training School, Taieri. On 13 February 1940 he proceeded to No. 1 Flying Training School, Wigram and was awarded his flying badge. On 28 May 1940 he was promoted to Sergeant.

He was posted to No. 15 Operational Training Unit, Harwell, Berkshire where he carried out air exercises on Wellington aircraft.

From there he went to No. 99 Squadron, Newmarket, Suffolk on 4 October 1940.

Attended Westport Technical Highschool (Source: RNZAF Biographies (R17845609)) AWMM