Mexborough and Swinton Times, October 1918
Denaby Hero
Splendid War Record
On Friday evening, in the Picture Hall, Denaby Main, gold watches and eliminated addresses were presented to Sgt Ben Thompson, Coldstream Guards, Doncaster Road, Denaby main, who has been awarded the Croix de Guerre and Private Louis Stones, R.A.M.C.,4 Wheatley Street, Denaby Min,who has been awarded the Military Medal.
The presentations were made by Mr W.H. Chambers and Mr H.W.Smith, manager of the Denaby mine (where the men were previously employed) presided.
Mr W. Worsley (secretary of the Denaby and Cadeby heroes fund) and Mr Davies (president of the Denaby main branch Y.M.A., also attended. Both men have splendid war records.
Sgt Thomson was a reservist, and was drafted to France in the early days of the war. He saw 2 ½ years service with his Regiment, after which he was attached to the one 170th tunnelling company reserves. In addition to the Croix de Guerre he was presented with the black cross of France to men in memory of his comrades who fell assisting in the rescue work, which won for Thompson his distinction.
The illuminated address contained the following passage: “When gas was sent by the enemy into the Fosse 8 of Bethune, Auchy-les-La Bassee, in France, you were particularly distinguished in your courage and disregard of danger “