Eight: Captain G. H. Stokes, South African Intelligence Corps, late Royal Field Artillery

1914-15 Star (2 Lieut., R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals (Lieut.); 1939-45 Star; Africa Star; Defence and War Medals, M.I.D. oak leaf; Africa Service Medal, these five officially impressed (179865 G. H. Stokes) mounted court style for wear, good very fine (8) £140-180

M.I.D. London Gazette 30 December 1941. ‘... in recognition of distinguished services in the Middle East .... during the period February, 1941, to July 1941’.

M.I.D. London Gazette 30 June 1942. ‘... in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East during the period July, 1941, to October, 1941’.

George Hill Stokes was born on 18 September 1888. As a 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery, he entered the France/Flanders theatre of war on 19 December 1915 and served with 36 Division R.F.A. in France until March 1917. During May 1917-September 1918 he served as a Temporary Lieutenant with the Intelligence Department of the War Office (M.I.1E [Signals Intelligence]) where his fluency in German would have been of great use. Post-war he was a Captain with the Rhine Army of Occupation. In the 1920’s he was living in Bromley, Kent, then in Bangalore, India. At the time of the Second World War he was living in Pinelands, Cape Province, South Africa and was employed as an Advertising Agent. Stokes was appointed a Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) with the Reserve of Officers in January 1940. He was appointed a Temporary Captain (full-time) in March 1940 and posted to D.H.Q. for special duties Intelligence and in 1941 served in East Africa. For his services he was twice mentioned in despatches. In February 1943 he was appointed G.S.O.III to the Durban Fortress and served with the South African Intelligence Corps. Stokes received the rank of war substantive Captain and Temporary Major in August 1946.

With a number of copied service papers and other research.