One of the finest early trombonists and the first strong jazz soloist in the Fletcher Henderson orchestra (joining slightly before Louis Armstrong), Charlie Green played locally in Omaha (1920-1923) before his two stints with Henderson (July 1924-April 1926 and late 1928-spring 1929). A superior blues player who could also swing fairly early, Green starred on several classic Bessie Smith recordings (including one called "Trombone Cholly"), recorded in the 1920s with several other blues singers, and also worked with the bands of Benny Carter (1929-1931 and 1933), Chick Webb (several times during 1930-1934), Don Redman (1932), and at the end with Kaiser Marshall. His premature death was from passing out on his doorstep on a winter night and freezing to death.
Green, by being given command of the 41st Battalion, CMF (head-quartered in Lismore not far from Grafton), was back in what was virtually the very battalion he had enlisted for in 1936.
Green who had risen rapidly in rank in the 2/2 Battalion had gained wide experience and exemplary training from renowned Commanding Officers: (Sir) George Wootten, (Sir) Frederick Chilton, and the revered "Boss" Edgar, during the campaigns in Africa, Greece and in garrison duties in Syria and Ceylon.
CharlieGreen had, too, after only three years of civilian life, embarked on another journey that took him away from his professed love, the country and his dream of owning a farm.
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