A Local Hero

As well as listing the details of local people with financial problems, The London Gazette also listed details of military personnel who received honours for their bravery in wartime. A local man, Sergeant S Rowe of the 161st Brigade of the Royal Field Artillery, was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal in 1919. The DCM, a 'near miss' for the VC, was the NCO's equivalent of the DSO.

The citation for Sgt Rowe's award published in September 1919 states 'For conspicuous gallantry and good work as No. 1 of a sub-section from February to September 1918. He has on all occasions shown courage of a high order and inspired all his comrades by his gallant bearing and actions. During June his battery was in action in a position which was continually under very heavy fire. On one occasion when the officer in charge was seriously wounded he carried on in a most praiseworthy manner under heavy fire. His work in the gun line has always been of the highest order.' Sgt Rowe was in a Yorkshire battalion of the RFA which formed part of the British 4th Army in northern France. The DCM has a ribbon with maroon stripes either side of a navy stripe. The medal has the head of George V on the front with the words 'For distinguished conduct in the field' on the reverse side.