William Temple (VC)

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For other persons of the same name, see William Temple.

William Temple (7 November 1833 - 13 February 1919) was an Irish recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces.

Born in Monaghan Town, Temple was 30 years old and an Assistant Surgeon in the Royal Regiment of Artillery during the Waikato-Hauhau Maori War in New Zealand when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC:

On 20 November 1863 at Rangiriri, New Zealand, during an assault on the enemy's position, Assistant Surgeon Temple, together with another officer (Arthur Frederick Pickard) exposed themselves to imminent danger in crossing the entrance to the Maori keep at a point upon which the enemy were concentrating their fire, in order to render assistance to the wounded. Both officers showed great calmness under most trying circumstances.

Temple died in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.