RAMC Officers
Of the Malta Garrison
Charles Vernon Light
1911 – 1990

Captain Charles Vernon Light was educated at Woodhouse Grove School and Leeds University where he qualified in 1953, MB, ChB. During the Second World War he served in the Royal Army Medical Corps in France, at the siege of Malta (1941–43), and in Greece, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

His obituary states that: Charles Vernon Light was brought up in an atmosphere of service to the community, for his father was a local government officer in Otley and the surrounding Dales villages. In 1954 Vernon joined his family's general practitioner in Otley. His knowledge and love of the people and the district, which never diminished, and his energy and dedication helped the practice to develop rapidly. He was quick to see the advantages of group practice and was innovative in the use of nurses and ancillary help in the 1950s.

The team, which he led energetically, wisely, and courteously, expanded and integrated closely with local hospitals. He enjoyed being a clinical assistant in the radiotherapy unit at Cookridge Hospital, where his nous and commonsense approach were highly valued in the high tech environment.

Vernon had a well developed sense of humour, a remarkable memory, and a gift for mimicry so that he was an excellent raconteur and always good company, especially on sporting occasions. Having played league cricket for Leeds and having captained Yorkshire's lacrosse team, he delighted in his collection of cricket memorabilia and pictures and was president of Otley Cricket Club from 1956 to 1972 and of Otley Rugby Union Football Club from 1966 to 1968. He retired in 1985 and bore his last, mercifully short, illness gallantly.