Birthplace:
- London, England

Birthdate:
- 30 June 1848

Height:
- 5 feet 6 3/4 inches

Family Background:
- Carfrae's father listed himself as a "Gentleman", and was stated to be of "independent position."

At Sandhurst:
- No

Foreign Languages:
- French

Career before Halifax:
- Ensign, 23 December 1868 (purchase)

Postings while in NS Command:
- Halifax, 28 September 1869 to 25 November 1871

Career after Halifax:
- Lieutenant, 28 October 1871
- Captain, 16 January 1881
- to 92nd Highlanders by exchange, 10 June 1882
- retired 22 May 1889

Carfrae's father, Thomas Carfrae, and his mother Margaret, lived at 75 Gloucester Place, Portman Square, London. As noted, Thomas listed his profession as "Gentleman", while papers which accompanied his son's application for a first commission stated that he was "of independent position." These papers also indicated that he was "of Scotch family". His son, William Charles, attended Harrow before entering the army in 1868. A letter to the Horse Guards on his behalf stated that he preferred "either the 69th or 78th Regiments in which he has friends."