Lieutenant-Colonel William Basil Charles Bridge, [D.S.O.], was born in September 1874, the son of Colonel W.A. Bridge, late Royal Scots Fusiliers. Educated at Wellington College, he joined the Militia in 1894 and was gazetted to the Highland Light Infantry as a 2nd Lieutenant in March 1897. Bridge quickly witnessed active service, being employed with the Malakand and Buner Field Forces in the operations on the North West Frontier of India between 1897-98, including the capture of the Tanga Pass. Advanced to Lieutenant in February 1900, he went on to serve in the operations in South Africa, being employed with the Mounted Infantry in the Transvaal, Orange River Colony and Cape Colony, from late 1901 until May 1902. Advanced to Captain in January 1907, Bridge retired in April 1911.

The onset of hostilities in August 1914 found him actively re-employed and he served variously with the Scottish Rifles, Highland Light Infantry, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry and Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. Originally employed in the Gallipoli operations from August 1915, he eventually ended up in France and Flanders, and was awarded the D.S.O. (London Gazette 1.1.1917 refers) and twice Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazettes 13.7.1916 and 4.1.1917 refer). Bridge was once more placed on the Retired List with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in October 1921 and was one time employed as a King's Messenger.