This nationally famous and legendary junior officer, came from a family of many important and senior military officers. He joined the army (commissioned) on 10th November 1843. He is normally described in most of the extensive histories as an Ensign. Indeed, at the time of his death he was only 19 and he is also described as Ensign Tritton on the famous 31st Regiment Standards monument in Canterbury cathedral. 
However, the naming on his medal shows him as Lieutenant C.H.G. TRITTON. The London Gazette records of 31st March 1846 show his only promotion as "Ensign to Lieutenant Without Purchase" and on 1st April 1846 the Gazette records "Mortally Wounded". His promotion is therefore an early example of "posthumous promotion for bravery". At this time of course there were no medallic awards for gallantry and it was to be another ten years before the introduction of the Victoria Cross in 1856 for Acts of Valour in the Crimean War. Herewith above is his original entry as ENSIGN taken from our original copy of the Army List of 1845. THE SIKH WAR (The Battle of Sobraon) INDIA, 1843
At Sobraon the 31st Huntingdonshire Reg't were still in Harry Smith's division, on the right of the leading brigade. They were much reduced in numbers after the three previously fierce battles. The 31st lost 157 men at Moodkee, 142 at Ferozeshuhur, and and they were to lose 154 on that day, 10th February 1846 at Sobraon. 
The Regimental and Queen's Colours were carried high into battle by Ensign William Jones, still an Ensign at the age of 36, and Ensign Charles Hill Grant Tritton, aged just 19. Just before the battle, Charlie Tritton was offered some cold tea but the bugle call for "Fall in" sounded at that moment and he remarked: "It's always the way," he said, "when I want something I can't get it. Never mind, I'll have some by the by." He then left his tent and strode out into historical legend and military immortality.
[THE BATTLE OF SOBRAON COMMENCES] The advance up to the Sikh batteries was made through a murderous hail of grapeshot and musket fire which caused many deaths. But the 31st pressed on until they reached the earthworks that protected the enemy guns. [A SCENE FROM THE FAMOUS PAINTING OF THE BATTLE OF SOBRAON] Ensign William Jones and Lt Charles Tritton who had both proudly led the marching troops into battle with the Regimental Colours & The Queen's colours held aloft were both killed, shot through the head. This painting shows a slightly sanitised version of Lt Tritton's wounding. 
Sergeant Bernard McCabe, an Irishman in the Light Company, then seized the Regimental Colour and climbed an earthwork to hold the Colour high to inspire the men of the 31st. McCabe miraculously survived the hail of bullets and his valiant actions had the desired effect of rallying the men. Sir Harry Smith paid tribute to him, later claiming that McCabe's action had shortened the battle. As the British infantry surged past the earthworks and into the Sikh camp there was bitter hand to hand fighting and the Sikhs were driven back, but were not finally beaten until the famous charge by the 3rd Light Dragoons pushed them into the River Sutlej. The Sikhs retreated in good order, earning the respect of the British soldiers. [THE TRITTON FAMILY HISTORY]...(Received from a family member) Charles Tritton's father, Captain John Tritton, 24th Light Dragoons, fought under General Wellington in India. One of his brothers, Colonel John Tritton, commanded the 10th Hussars (in the Mutiny I think); His uniform, which was given by the family to the National Army Museum some years ago, is currently on display as an example of a Victorian cavalry officers' kit. Another brother was General Edmund Tritton CB, Director-General of Hospitals HEIC and yet another brother, who was also an Ensign in the 31st Foot, died of dysentery in the First Afghan War in about 1877. 
[THE MONUMENT & THE TWO ACTUAL STANDARDS IN CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL]Charlie Tritton was only 19, poor little sod; he was shot in the head while carrying the Queen's Colour. Mortally wounded, he died of his wound the same night. His fellow officer Willie Jones died on the spot. The actual Queen's & Regimental Colours which the two men carried are both preserved in Canterbury Cathedral and as well as being commemorated on the 31st Regt memorial Charles Tritton's name is also engraved upon on a silver band on the staff pole of the Queen's colour. A Recently Purchased Medal. We are constantly wishing to buy ALL medals and decorations for waiting clients. Call us today on 01342-870926 or email us on DRAGONBRIT77@GMAIL.COM .....and let's arrange to do business ......Thanks ......Alan