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George Thomas Stokes (WWI) 6816 CSM/W.O. Class 2 'D' Company 11th Sherwood Foresters My Great Grandfather George Thomas Stokes was born in 1879, unfortunately we dont know where. He enlisted for service with the Northamptonshire Regiment in August 1895 and saw Boer War service with them. He fought at Modder River and Belmont (November 1899) earning a four bar QSA and two bar KSA. His service number was 4635 and rank Corporal. Nothing is known about the end of Boer War Period until the start of WW1 only that in 1907 he was living in Chesterfield. He served as 6816 CSM/W.O. Class 2 George Thomas Stokes of 'D' Company 11th Sherwood Foresters during the First World War. He went to France with the Battalion in August 1915 landing at Boulogne. His Brother in law Edward Henry Eldred was killed on 25th September 1915 whilst serving with the Berkshires*. He is buried in White City Cemetery, Bois Grenier. He was discharged to Class Z Reserve in January 1919 and went to live back in Chesterfield. He worked at Calow pit, Chesterfield as a Deputy for many years. |
George Thomas Stokes (WWII)
4969591 Sergeant 2/5th Sherwood Foresters
His youngest son, also George Thomas Stokes, fought with the 2/5th Foresters during the Second World War. He served as 4969591 Sgt George Thomas Stokes. He went to France with the BEF where he was evacuated from Dunkirk. In 1943 he was sent to fight in Tunisia with the 1st Army and it was whilst he was fighting at Tamera that he won the Military medal. His citation is as follows:
"At Tamera, Tunisia, on the 17th March 1943, this NCO commanded three detachmants of mortars and maintained good accurate fire throughout the day. He succeeded in destroying three enemy guns which had been brought out into the open although his own position was very heavily mortared. His complete disregard of injury, his coolness, cheerfulness and devotion to duty were an example and an inspiration to all about him''
He later landed at Salerno, Italy and was taken POW whilst attempting to cross the River Volturno in October 1943. He was held at Stalag 4b Muhlberg Elbe. He was repatriated at the end of 1945.
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The above is written by Anthony Bagshaw to whom I am indebted for the honour of hosting these stories.
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ELDRED, EDWARD HENRY, Lance Corporal, 10525, 2nd Royal Berkshire Regiment,
25 September 1915, aged 32.