Charles Faultless was born in 1908 in Bridgeton, Glasgow, the son of an industrial worker in railway workshops.
Just a year after his birth, his father died and Charles was raised by his mother at her parents home in Rhymer Street, Townhead. He attended Martyrs’ Public School and Provanside Public School. Following the completion of his education, he worked in the stockroom of a clothing manufacturer but it was noticed that he had abilities as a salesman and began work as a commercial traveller.
In the 1930’s he joined Collins (Mantles) Ltd, where he would work for 30 years as a Sales Director for most of his career.
Sales was not all he was good at. He was a skilled sportsman, who played multiple sports. He played tennis, golf and water polo (at which he was a Scottish trialist). In football, he played as goalkeeper and had spells with Greenock Morton and Motherwell before joining Beith Juniors.
Sadly, a broken leg saw the end of his playing career and he devoted his time to refereeing, becoming part of the first class rank just prior to the outbreak of the Second World War.
During the war he was called up to the RAF, reaching the rank of Flying Officer and being in charge of the Bomber Command football team!
Post-war, he returned to refereeing and was selected to officiate at the 1954 FIFA World Cup. He took charge of multiple matches, including an incredible game between Austria and Switzerland, which the Austrian’s won 7-5!
When he eventually retired from the game, he reported on the sport for a Sunday newspaper for a further 20 years.
Charles Faultless died in St Margaret’s Hospice, Clydebank, at the age of 90.