Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 18 October 1941

Soldier’s D.C.M.

” One of the most thrilling episodes of my life ” is how Mrs. J. W. Stocks, of 58, Manor Road, Swinton, describes her visit to London last week with her husband, Battery Sergt-Major John William Stocks, to whom the King presented the Distinguished Conduct Medal at an investiture at Buckingham Palace.

B.S.M. Stocks has been serving in the Royal Artillery for over 15 years and has seen seven service in India during which time he was awarded the North West Frontier Medal for bravery in one of the frequent skirmishes with the natives.

A native of Wath, he married at Swinton in 1935 Miss Lily Barrowcliffe, of Swinton.

His D.C.M. was awarded “for conspicuous gallantry on the beaches of Dunkirk ” according to the official statement, but B.S.M. Stocks refuses to say anything about it.

He was on special leave for the investiture and returned to his unit last Wednesday.