[ London Gazette, 22 September 1864 ], Rangiri, New Zealand, 20 Novembeer 1863, Assistant Surgeon William Temple, Royal Regiment of Artillery.

With the Assistant Surgeon William Temple, Royal Regiment of Artillery.

For gallant conduct during the assault on the enemy's position at Rangiriri, in New Zealand, on the 20th November last, in exposing their lives to imminent danger, in crossing the entrance of the Maori keep, at a point upon which the enemy had concentrated their fire, with a view to render assistance to the wounded, and, more especially to the late Captain Mercer, of the Royal Artillery.

Lieutenant Pickard, it is stated, crossed, and re-crossed the parapet, to procure water for the wounded, when none of the men could be induced to perform this service, the space over which he traversed being exposed to a cross-fire; and testimony is borne to the calmness displayed by him, and Assistant Surgeon Temple, under the trying circumstances in which they were placed.

William Temple was invested with his Victoria Cross by GOC New Zealand, Lieutenant General Sir Donald Cameron, at Auckland, on the 31st December 1864.