From time to time the Urban Council, on behalf of the townsfolk, have presented illuminated addresses to local men who distinguished themselves in War. On Wednesday night they presented six more. The recipients were Captain Percy Bentley, M.C. and 3 bars., Sergt. F. Norfolk, D.C.M., Sergt. A.J. Kellyn, D.C.M., Sergt. Ernest Taylor, M.M., Sergt Kenneth Penty, M.M., and Pte. W. Parkes, M.M. The presentations took place in presence of a full Council and a few visitors.

Cr. G.W. Reynolds, Chairman of the Council who presided, said this was a proud occasion. Though belated, these presentations would not be the last, for others entitled to the honour had recently been discovered. They were all proud of what the lads had done, and particularly those who specially distinguished themselves (hear, hear). The speaker made reference to the late Sergt. Penty, who was killed, and said the deceased’s mother could rejoice in the fact that her gallant son laid down his life for his fellow countrymen (hear, hear). In handing the address to Capt. Bentley (who was accompanied by his mother), the Chairman said he had met several men who served with Captain Bentley who testified to the admirable manner in which he looked after the men and their interests (applause). As to the others, the Chairman said they all knew them as workers, men who did their duty and were an example to others (applause). The Chairman then read the inscription of each address as he handed the address to the recipient, and each recipient was warmly applauded.

Captain Bentley, in acknowledgement, said he hoped the address would be held not only as a record of his mis-called gallant deeds but as an appreciation from his townsfolk (hear, hear). What he and others did was simply their duty. Honours in war were very strangely distributed: for every award given hundreds were deserved. The unfortunate ones might rest content that the reputation of the British Army and the Empire did not suffer, and that their efforts brought about our victory. Unless he had received the support of every man he could never have carried out what was required (hear, hear). He thanked them for that address, which he would value all his life, and, he hoped, it would be valued by those who followed him (applause).

The other recipients briefly, but feelingly, returned thanks, assuring the Council that they would treasure the gifts (applause).

Cr. Hargreaves said it was pretty evident the honours were well earned (hear, hear). As one who had served in the 1/5 K.O.Y.L.I. for a time, with officers and men belonging to Knottingley, he could assure them that Captain Percy Bentley, Captain Will Bentley, and Lt. Henry Bentley, their cousin, were gentleman, who would never send a man where they would not go themselves (hear, hear). As for Knottingley lads he didn’t know of one with anything to his discredit beyond petty offences (applause). – The Chairman, in conclusion, hoped for the recipients a very happy Christmas, long life and prosperity, and that they would be rewarded in future for the manner in which they had carried out their duty to King and Country (applause). Ex-Sergeant Norfolk was accompanied by his father; and Ex Sergeant Penty’s address was received by his brother, the company rising in silent tribute to the gallant sergeant’s memory.

The following are the inscriptions which appear on the six addresses:-

“Presented to Captain Percy Bentley, 1/5 K.O.Y.L.I. by the inhabitants of Knottingley, through the Urban District Council, on the occasion of his obtaining the Military Cross and 3 bars. The donors of this testimony hereby wish to place on record their very high appreciation of your valorous conduct as set forth in the following commendations. For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. As adjutant, during heavy enemy attacks he showed great tact in moving the battalion to a position on the flank from which he managed to counter attack which was successful. Later when his Commanding Officer was killed, he took command and displayed the courage and powers of leadership. He also received three bars to his Military Cross, and was mentioned in dispatches. We are proud of your noble conduct, and rejoice with you that it has been acknowledged by the military authorities. Given under the common seal of the Knottingley Urban District Council at a meeting held 29th September 1920”

The address is signed by all the members of the Council and by the Clerk.

The other addresses are similarly inscribed, excepting as to the name and the recommendation which earned the award. In the case of Sergt. F. Norfolk, D.C.M, No. 203718, Y.L.I., the words are;

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a heavy hostile bombardment in withdrawing a party from the front line, organising them in support, and issuing them with grenades and ammunition. To do this he had to face heavy artillery and trench mortar fire. After the bombardment he led a bombing patrol and reconnoitred our front line, which had been evacuated, finally leading the same party back to re-occupy it. During two-and-a-half hours he displayed coolness and gallantry of the highest order.”

Sergt. A.J. Kellyn, D.C.M., who served in the 18th? Field Co, R.E., received his award for;

“Gallant work during the whole time he had been in France, and the Military Medal for his good work during the Somme offensive – for (1) his participation in a raid on the enemy trenches in June 1916. He exploded a charge and thereby made a gap in the enemy’s wire and (2) for excellent work on the consolidation of a mine crater, blown up by the enemy Dec. 1915.”

Sergt. Taylor., no.11261, A Co., 10th West Yorks, received the Military Medal for;

“Conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty undertaking the command of men under most difficult circumstances. What he did was to lead his men out of a dangerous spot under very heavy fire. He was then only a Lance-Corporal.”

Sergt. Kenneth Penty, No. 16012., 9th K.O.Y.L.I., received his Military Medal for;

“Most conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He was in charge of a Lewis gun detachment in the attack on 9th April 1917, and after getting through the first row of German wire his gun was put out of action by being hit. Seeing another Lewis gun, all of whose team had been shot dead by snipers, at very close range, he deliberately took charge of this gun, and brought it into action single-handed, enfilading a portion of the German trench. He remained at his post until ordered to withdraw to the new line at dusk, bringing his Lewis gun with him. He was under heavy rifle and machine gun fire. He set an extra-ordinary fine example of bravery and devotion to duty.”

Pvte. W. Parkes, No. 19487 B. Co., 7th Sherwood Foresters was awarded his Military Medal for;

“Most conspicuous gallantry on several occasions between the 18th and 19th of April in the vicinity of Kemmel. He was always first to volunteer to carry a message at critical times under extremely heavy shell fire. On one day he assisted in carrying wounded under the heaviest shell fire until he fainted and had himself to be carried in. During the whole period his great bravery and enduring devotion to duty at all times were a magnificent example to his comrades.”

All the addresses are most beautiful and artistic. They are framed in carved oak.