South Yorkshire Times – Saturday 05 September 1942
Denaby Gunner Gets M.M.
Gallantry in Middle East
Gunner Percy Jepson (22), of Denaby Main, has brought the first honours of the present war to the village. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. P. Jepson, of 137, Doncaster Road, Denaby Main, and on Monday they received an airmail letter from one of his officers intimating that their son had been awarded the Military Medal.
The letter states:
“I am writing on behalf of myself and the men of “B” Troop to say how pleased we are that your son Percy has been awarded the Military Medal for gallantry in the field. His courage and determination in the face of the enemy was an inspiration to all serving with him, and you have every right to be proud of the distinction which he has deservedly earned. Several of his friends have been able to visit him in the hospital, and I am truly glad to be able to say that he seems to be making progress. We all hope that he will make a rapid recovery, and we eagerly look forward to being able to welcome him back to his troop where his services and his company have always been appreciated. I may say that you need have no worries as to his comfort, for he is being well looked after by the medical authorities. I hope it will not be long before he is able to write to you again.”
Gunner Jepson was born in Denaby Main, and he joined the local Territorials when volunteers were asked for early In 1939. He was attached to the L.A.A. R.A., and had been in the Middle East since March, 1941, and during that period he has seen much service. He was seriously wounded a short time ago and his parents have had a very anxious time for some weeks. Last Friday they received word that he had been taken off the danger list and on Monday the news of his award was received, and it may be presumed that perhaps it was while earning it that he sustained his wounds.
He was employed at Kilnhurst Colliery, and had friends in that area, who will also be pleased to learn of the award, and will join with the people of Denaby Main in expressing congratulations and good wishes for his speedy recovery. He is not yet well enough to write to his parents who are eagerly awaiting the time when he can do so.
His step – brother, Sergeant Richard Gascoyne, is in the same regiment, and he, too, has been in the Middle East the same time as Percy, and a short time ago informed his parents that Percy had done a brave act and he was very proud of him, but he was not aware then of the distinction he has gained.