SWORDS FOR SOLDIERS

NOVEMBER 1945

Among the men to receive Japanese swords awarded to British troops as unofficial 'medals' are C.Q.M.S.J.R. (Bob) Blacker, the only child of Mr. and Mrs. B. Blacker of Weeland Road, Knottingley, and Private. H. (Sonny) Swales, whose wife lives at Primrose Hill, Knottingley, and is the third son of Mr. and Mrs. J.H. Swales of Marsh End, Knottingley.

Both are with the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment and have been stationed together since their arrival in South East Asia in August 1943.  Both men are members of the staff of Messrs Bagley and Co, Knottingley.

The regiment, which is part of the 5th Indian Division, is the only regiment in Singapore, and the first to receive these ornate, razer-edged 'decorations'. They were ceremonially handed to officers and men who had distinguished themselves in action.

A brother of Private Swales, Sergeant N. Swales, was awarded the M.M. for gallantry in1941 while stationed in Malta.

Express November 2nd 1945

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