Maj. Gen. Sir Charles Walters D'Oyly was the nephew of Sir Charles D'Oyly (1781-1845). He entered the Indian army in 1842 and fought in many battles including the Battle of Punniar in the Gwallior campaign and the battles of Gungari and Pattioli during the Indian Mutiny. He took part in the famous charge of the Carbineers during the battle of Gungari in which Major Wardlaw and all the other senior officers were killed and was later also aide-de-camp to the Marquis of Dalhousie, Governor General in India from 1852 to 1856. D'Oyly rose quickly through the ranks of the army, attaining the posts of Lt. Colonel in 1868, Colonel in 1873 and retired as Major General in 1875.
He was a keen amateur artist of considerable talent and won several medals and prizes at the Simla and Calcutta exhibitions. This talent was noted by Sir John Gilbert, President of the Royal Academy when he remarked 'Sir Charles is much more than an amateur!' For other works by D'Oyly of similar views, see lots 1158, 1166, 1175, 1192 and 1198 in this sale.
After his retirement D'Oyly purchased a small estate near Blandford, Dorset and built a house there called 'Newlands'. He remained actively involved in local affairs including the commission of the Peace for Dorsetshire, and also becoming Chairman of the Charlton Marshall Parish Council.