born in liverpool on 4 november 1837, he was ordained to the priesthood on 27 december 1862. brindle served as an army chaplain. during the gordon relief expedition of (1884–85), marched with the troops rather than riding with the officers; and handled an oar with the 1st royal irish regiment as they rowed up the nile. he was specially mentioned in kitchener's dispatches for his services to the wounded during the battle of omdurman and "only some technical difficulty prevented his receiving a knighthood at the end of the campaign." sir evelyn wood said, "father brindle was doubtless the most popular man in the expedition. his own flock naturally loved him, and he was respected by everyone...he had a pony which he never rode, it being used to carry foot-sore men in turn." he was promoted to chaplain first class.