Newcastle Daily Chronicle 14/6/1919

“Lieut. W.J. Bennett, R.E., second son of Mrs. Bennett, of 35, Malcolm Street, Heaton, Newcastle, was decorated with the Military Cross, by the King, at Buckingham Palace, for the following act of conspicuous gallantry in face of the enemy. On Sept. 25th, 1918, this officer joined the forward observation officer at Neuve Chapelle for balloon signalling purposes during an attack. Rough weather preventing the balloon’s ascent, he volunteered to go forward with the infantry, and from there he kept his brigade in communication with the front line of attack during several hours, although his cable was continually being broken by shell fire. Before the war Lieut. Bennett was a telegraphist at the G.P.O., Newcastle, and has been on active service since August 5th, 1915.”