A very good Great War ‘Western Front’ M.C. group of six awarded to Major N. S. Temple, Notts and Derby Regiment, who was killed in action during the Second War at Dunkirk, whilst fighting with the rearguard, Commanding ‘Templeforce’

Military Cross, G.V.R., reverse neatly inscribed ‘Lieut. N. S. Temple, Notts & Derby Regt., S.E. of Ypres 20.9.1917’; 1914-15 Star (2. Lieut., Notts. & Derby R.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut.); 1939-45 Star; War Medal, these both privately inscribed ‘Major N. S. Temple, M.C., Notts & Derby Regt.’, good very fine or better (6) £1200-1400

M.C. London Gazette 6 April 1918 ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty as battalion signalling officer during an attack. He was responsible for maintaining forward communication, and several times when the line was broken he personally went through the enemy’s barrage and mended it. He also laid an important line under heavy fire, which was of the greatest value when all other communication had broken down.’

Major Norman Saurin Temple served in France and Belgium 1915-1918 where he was wounded twice; employed with the Egyptian Army 1922-25; attached Sudan Defence Force 1925-1932. Mentioned in Despatches London Gazette 2 January 1931 ‘...for distinguished service rendered in connection with operations in the NUER country during the period 8 December 1927 to 7 February 1928.’

He subsequently rejoined his old regiment, and was killed in action at Dunkirk on 1 june 1940 whilst serving with the 2nd Battalion, Notts and Derby Regiment, Commanding Temple force. At the time of his death he was 46 years of age.

The following is extracted from The History of The Sherwood Forresters 1919-57 ‘This gallant officer was one of those who died so that the majority of the British Troops in France in 1940 could live to fight again, after the successful evacuation, which must surely have failed but for the thin line of men guarding the perimeter of the evacuation area, especially during the last stages. Major Temple commanded one of the various composite units which sprang into existence during the Battle of France, and more especially, during the retreat to Dunkirk. They almost always bore the name of the officer in command, hence ‘Templeforce’. This officer did not even receive a posthumous ‘mention’ in recognition of the vital part played by him and his men in the evacuation, though doubtless many officers and men went unrewarded at that time, particularly those that became casualties.’