Born in Karachi, Pakistan, to Royal Navy Captain Edward Giles, Giles followed his father into military service and attained the rank of major in the British Army. Giles drew upon his experience serving in Afghanistan, Egypt, India, and South Africa to portray realistic military scenes and battles, especially the cavalry horses. He successfully exhibited at both the Paris Salon and the Royal Academy and his images were featured in such publications as Vanity Fair and Black & White Budget. His major works are collected by military organizations in Britain.