News has just reached Chester-le-Street of the bestowal of a Certificate of Merit, upon 2nd Corporal Ralph Hann Featonby, R.E. (T.F.) of the Northumbrian Field Company, stating that he was Mentioned in Despatches by General Sir G. F. Milne, K.C.B. D.S.O., dated 1st November 1918, for gallantry and distinctive services in the field.

This gallant and distinguished soldier lived as a boy with his grandmother (Mrs. R. Hann, Seaham House Chester-le-Street) and was educated at the Secondary School at Chester-le-Street (under Mr. Sanderson) his parents living in South Africa. He chose the career of an engineer, and proceeded to Sir W.G. Armstrong Whitworth & Coy where he served his articles.

He saw service on several battle fronts. He was demobilised in May 1919, and returned to his old job at the Elswick works, Newcastle.

It has been 7 years since he has seen his parents and also decided to move to Johannesburg to follow his profession. His fiancé went out from Jesmond to rejoin him on October 30th to South Africa.