Herbert Arthur Stockwell was born on 2nd June 1891 in Balcombe Street, London. His mother was Harriet Stockwell of Tetsworth, but Herbert (known as Bertie) was living with his grandfather Joseph, in North Street in 1901. Harriet married William Howland in Thame in 1903.

He went on to work for 9 years at Joseph Putman’s hardware shop in the Cornmarket, Thame and was also a member of the local territorial’s. He was mobilised with the Territorial’s at the start of the World War 1 in the Ox and Bucks Light Infantry.

He served with the 5th Battalion, and quickly rose to the rank of Company Sergeant Major, (10591). Bertie was awarded the Military Cross in 1917 for action in France.

He died from gunshot wounds in hospital in France on 1st April 1918, and is buried in St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen, SeineMaritime, France.

He is remembered in Thame on the Thame War Memorial, and also the St Marys and All Saints Memorial Boards.

The Military Cross citation published in the London Gazette on 5th March 1918 reads;

“For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. His company had to pass through an intense barrage when going forward to re-enforce, and on reaching the position were subjected to five hours heavy bombardment. The success of the movement was largely due to his initiative and fearlessness. Though he was three time buried, he remained at duty, inspiring his men by his cheerfulness and gallant example. Later he again steadied the company under a heavy bombardment, and carried out a bombing attack on a party of the enemy who had penetrated the line.”