Major General Sir Kerr Montgomery last night presented the Military Medal to Pte. Frank Perry, secretary of the Gateshead Lads’ red Triangle Club. The ceremony took place at the club and was presided over by Councillor Dunn.
Colonel Craven, who recommended Pte. Perry for the Military Medal said he was with Perry a quarter of an hour before his capture. Their advance dressing station was being badly shelled, and it became necessary to evacuate owing to the rapid advance of the enemy. There were some wounded men whom it was impossible to move, and Perry valiantly volunteered to remain behind with them, although he was fully aware of his impending capture. This heroic act was not the only good feature, but it was the crowning glory of many self-sacrificing deeds.
Makor Errington also paid tribute to Pte. Perry.
Major-General Montgomery, in presenting the medal, said the way in which Perry won the medal was the true form of valour.
Pte. Perry was accorded an ovation, and expressed his embarrassment at ‘being so much in the picture’ and added that on that occasion he could not help thinking of the boys who would not come back.”