He was born into a cotton family who owned the Lightoller mill in Chorley, Lancashire. His mother, Sarah Lightoller, died shortly after giving birth to him. His father, Fred Lightoller, abandoned young Charles and left for New Zealandat the age of 13 young Charles began a four-year seafaring apprenticeship on board the Primrose Hills. He was 180 cm Tall and blue eyed. He was member of British Navy.