John Wilfred Sheriff

Born in 1895 near Bishop Auckland, he enlisted in 20 DLI, as a Private, in August 1915, rising to the rank of Company Sergeant Major by 1918. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and the Military Medal for his bravery in 1918. "During the period 25 February to 16 September 1918, he showed a fine example to the men.... On the 4 September - in an attack near Wytschaete, Ypres - his conduct was again of the highest order. He repeatedly exposed himself when encouraging the men and directing fire." John Sheriff died in Birtley in 1975, aged 79 years.