This splendid moustache belongs to Huddersfield engine packing maker Charles Tiffany, who married his darling Clementine in 1892 and had a little boy called Ernest.
By 1914, Charlie had served in the local Territorial Battalion for 27 years, during the whole of which he had never missed a single camp.
The Territorials were mobilised on outbreak of War and he embarked for France as Colour Sergeant Major with 1/5th West Riding Regiment the following spring.
He and Clementine’s only surviving child Ernest had joined his Dad’s Territorial Battalion as a drummer boy aged 13 and also went to France with his Dad’s Battalion.
Clementine’s feelings at the end of their embarkation leave can only be guessed at.
Promoted Regimental Sergeant Major, Charlie would be awarded a Military Cross for his part in the first day of the Battle of the Somme, 1st July 1916, during which he showed “conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty at all times.
His coolness under fire has been particularly valuable, a man of untiring energy.”
He was killed in action a year later on 7th August 1917 near Nieuport, but his son made it home to Clementine and Charlie’s steadfast courage is Never Forgotten.
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