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Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 294

A Great War M.M. group of four to Private C. E. Temperton, East Yorkshire Regiment, for gallantry in carrying wounded men to safety under shell fire, the recipient being blinded by shrapnel in the process, the M.M. being presented to him by Field Marshall Lord John French at the V.A.D. Hospital, Hull in April 1917

Military Medal, G.V.R. (1470 Pte C. E. Temperton. 4/E.York; R. T.F.); 1914-15 Star (1470 Pte. C. E. Temperton. E. York. R.); British War and Victory Medals (1470 Pte. C. E. Temperton E. York. R.), mounted as worn, contact marks to both silver medals, otherwise very fine (4)

M.M. London Gazette 27 October 1916.

Charles Edward Temperton was born at Hull, East Yorkshire on 22 May 1896, the 1911 census records him as a 14 year old Apprentice Painter residing with his brother, sister and mother (stepfather absent). He attested for the 1/4th (Territorial) Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment 3 March 1913 and served in France from 17 April 1915. He was discharged on 4 September 1915, the result of wounds received in action (blinded both eyes). The St. Dunstan's Register records he was wounded at Kemmel in June 1915 by shrapnel in the face and both eyes, he also received a wound to his forehead.

From: The Hull Daily Mail 16 April 1917.

Yesterday was a full day for Hull and a truly represntative gathering assembled at the now VAD Hospital at Cottingham Road, all classes being represented. After the inspection, where nearly 4,000 volunteers were on parade, the centre of interest was Kitchener Ward in the Hospital, a large, lightsome, and noble apartment in the building. Colour and point was given to the scene by the presentation to a Hull young man Private Temperton, of the Military Medal by the Field Marshal (Lord John French), who shook hands with the Private, who had been blinded in both eyes just after performing an act of great heroism in carrying off wounded from the field under shell fire. It was stated that through the kindness of Mr Philip Rechitt, he was now receiving instruction in St. Dunstan's Home as a Telephonist, by which he would be able to earn his living. It was an impressive and spirited sight to see the manly bearing of the hero as he was led to the platform by his sister.

From: The Hull Daily Mail 17 April 1917

The most impressive incident was the presentation of the Military Medal to private Temperton. The youth had been blinded in both eyes after carrying wounded under shell fire. He has been fitted with sightless eyeballs and any person unaware of his affliction would not notice it. Fortunately, through the generosity of Mr Philip Reckitt, he is being trained as a telephonist at St. Dunstan's and will shortly be able to earn his own living.'

Charles married in Sculcoates, East Yorkshire in 1917, the couple were to have five children (one born in 1919 died the same year, possibly a victim of the Flu pandemic). The 1939 Register records Charles is residing at 344 Londike Lane, Kingston-upon-Hull with his family, his occupation recorded as St.Dunstans Blind Soldier, he died in Hull on 24 August 1982, aged 86. From: The Hull Daily Mail 26 August 1982.

Death of blinded war veteran.

A 1914-18 War veteran who was blinded in action when he was a teenager has died in Hull aged 86. Mr Charles Edward Temperton of Keel Road, lost his sight while serving with the 1/4th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment in 1915. The holder of the Military Medal, he had never seen any of his five children. Mr Temperton was born in Hull and worked for time as a chicken farmer at Dunswell. He also helped make camouflage netting during the 1939-45 War. He was a member of St Dunstans, the organisation for the war blinded and regularly attended Regimental dinners until prevented by illness. A fellow member of the 1/4th East Yorkshire Regiment Association, Mr Wilfred Gilson of Cecil Street, Hull said of Temperton:

" He was a very cheerful fellow and never grumbled at his infirmity. he was always interested in the Regiment and regularly attended the Cenotaph in Hull on Remembrance Day".

One of his four daughters, Mrs Madge Silverwood said he was keen on handicrafts, always kept busy and coped very well with his 67 years of sightlessness. As well as a widow and children Mr Temperton also leaves several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

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Sold for
£450

Starting price
£280