Charles William was the second son of Herbert and Annie Maria (nee Reynolds) born on 9 April 1890 at Ashwell, Hertfordshire, christened on 1 June 1890, He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylors School in Ashwell.
Allen was born in Stotfold, Bedfordshire in the first quarter of 1890, the 5th son of Jesse and Agnes (nee Allen) Cooper. He was a pupil at the Merchant Taylor School in Ashwell.
Edward was born on 13 August 1890 in Long Stratton, Norfolk, the elder son of Harry and Angelina Louisa (nee Bowen). The 1901 and 1911 census records show Edward living with his family in Ashwell. It is presumed he was a pupil at the Merchant Taylor School in Ashwell.