Source: Leicestershire War Memorials Project.
Coalville Times article - Friday March 21st, 1919

ANOTHER WHITWICK M.M.

Private W. W. Stinson, M. T., B.A.S.C., 405 Siege Battery, the proprietor of Southam and Co., was awarded the Military Medal for devotion to duty under heavy shell fire, on the night of October 17th 1918. He is the elder son of Mr W. Stinson, Dumps House, Whitwick, and has served one year in England and two years in Belgium.

Coalville Times article - Friday July 25th 1919

WHITWICK

“Peace Day” was celebrated here in true Whitwick style. Not for many a long day have the fine old bells rang out from the ancient church tower as they did during Saturday afternoon. A full peal of 5,040 was rung in 2 hours 55 minutes, the ringers being Messrs. F. Middleton, W. Fern (conductor), S. W. West, J. Cadle, T. Belcher, J. Rawson, J. A. Moult and F. Boam. The decorations were very effective. The first prize went to Messrs. Briers and Bonser (Leicester Road), the second to Mr Squires (Three Crowns Hotel), and the third to Mr George West (Conservative Club).

Suitable mottoes were displayed at numerous points and there were many flags flying. From one of the houses in Silver Street hung an effigy of the Kaiser with a card attached, “Lost, 1914.” The judges were: Mrs Burkitt, Mrs Aris, Mr E. Aris (secretary to the committee) and Mr J. W. Eagles. The procession of ex-servicemen, children and Scouts was marshalled by Dr. Burkitt and led by the Whitwick Holy Cross Band. At the head was carried a laurel wreath round the words, “Lest we forget,” as a tribute to the fallen. The tea for the children took place in the Range Field off Silver Street, and the old people, discharged and demobilised soldiers and sailors, Scouts, bell-ringers, and the Band had their tea in the National School. In the evening when the sports prizes were presented by the Rev. T. W. Walters (chairman of the committee) and Father O’Reilly, there was also a presentation of a gold chain, on behalf of the residents of Whitwick, to Mr Walford Stinson (son of Mr Wm. Stinson, of the Dumps) in recognition of him having won the Military Medal. There was a capital response to the appeal for funds, the cost of the proceedings being met by voluntary contributions.

Research undertaken and submitted by Andy Murby 21/9/2018