Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Three: Captain C. E. G. Vernon, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, who was killed in action at Gallipoli on 15 August 1915

1914-15 Star (Capt. C. E. G. Vernon R. Innis. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (Capt. C. E. G. Vernon) nearly extremely fine (3) £300-£400

M.I.D. London Gazette 5 May 1916.

Charles Edward Granville Vernon was born in Huntingdon on 29 September 1883, the son of Colonel G. W. Vernon, Bedfordshire Regiment, and was educated at Wellington College and the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich; however, owing to ill-health he was unable to complete his studies there, and so obtained a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, from the Militia, on 23 April 1904. Promoted Lieutenant on 16 February 1907, he served with the regiment in Egypt, but contracted fever there and, being invalided home in September 1907, was obliged to resign his commission in 1908.

Following the outbreak of the Great War Vernon volunteered his services and was granted a captaincy in the Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers on 15 September 1914. He served with the 5th Battalion during the Great War in the Gallipoli theatre of war from 10 July 1915, and was killed in action at Suvla Bay on 15 August 1915, whilst leading his company in their first action against the Turks. Although severely wounded, he came out from under cover to rescue his servant, and was killed in the attempt. Major Best, the adjutant of the 5th Battalion, wrote: ‘Captain Vernon was the best companion on service one could possibly have; brave to a fault, and absolutely untiring. He is an officer who could least be spared in the battalion.’ He is buried in Azmak Cemetery, Suvla, Turkey.