"The workmen of St.Hilda's Colliery, South Shields, met last night in the Maxwell Street Hall for the purpose of honouring another of their colleagues who has gained distinction on the battlefield. Sergt. W. McGee, R.A.M.C. of 34 Ada Street, was a deputy overman at St.Hilda Pit when he volunteered for service in August 1914. He went to the front in the early days of the war, and the red chevron and four blue ones which he wears on his sleeve testify to his length of service abroad. Prior to enlisting in the R.A.M.C. McGee took a prominent part in ambulance work and he was a member of the St.John Ambulance Brigade.

Mr. Hedley, in presenting Sgt. McGee with a gold watch and chain, remarked that this was the eighteenth presentation he had made to men from St.Hilda Colliery who had distinguished themselves on the battlefield."