Historic war medals return to Yeovil

A cherished set of war medals from south Somerset have returned to Yeovil for the first time in thirty years.

The medals were presented to Yeovil-born Sir Charles Knight Pearson, who served in major military campaigns including the Crimean War and the Zulu and Basuto Wars.

Sir Charles is believed to be the character played by Michael Caine in the 1960's film 'Zulu', as he was awarded a medal entitled "South Africa Medal for Zulu and Basuto Wars 1877-79".

Their national significance meant that they have been on display in the National Army Museum in London since 1979, but following a request from the district council's Heritage team, they have been brought back to Yeovil so that they can be treasured once again by local people.

The family, who lived at Thorne Coffin (which is now part of the AgustaWestland complex) are thought to have been very well known in the area as there are family items already held at the Community Heritage Access Centre.

Among these items is a ceremonial sword which was presented to Pearson in 1879 in Yeovil Town Hall by local residents. The collection also holds a Naval General Service medal presented to Pearson's father for Naval Battles and Boat Actions 1793 -1840.

Anyone wishing to see the medals can now view them by appointment at the Community Heritage Access Centre at Lufton, Yeovil by calling 01935 462855 or emailing heritage.services@southsomerset.gov.uk.

Visitors can also see thousands of other artefacts stored at the facility, from old Western Gazette printing machinery, a whole room of old historic photographs and even an angel made of lead that once stood above today's NatWest bank.

Cllr Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at SSDC said: "It is fantastic that we now have these very local pieces of history back in Yeovil, not least because I am sure that there are many people whose families will have had connections with the Pearsons, but also because it is important that we preserve our local history for the future."

Photo: Here