Metheringham John William Sgt 4449491
Personnel Entry
Name Metheringham John William
Army number 4449491
Rank Sergeant.
Decorations Distinguished Conduct Medal (but see note below).
Date of birth Not yet known.
Age Not yet known.
Unit Enlisted in The Durham Light Infantry, enlistment date not yet known. Posted 10th Bn DLI. Served B.E.F. Served Iceland? Transferred to the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers 29/6/42, posted 30th Battalion RNF. (See RNF Book 358 31/57). Transferred back to the DLI 18/3/43, posted ? Bn DLI. Relegated to Class Z Army Reserve 2/2/46.
Company/Battery Not yet ascertained.
Platoon or other sub-unit
Task or role Not yet known.
Joined Brigade Not yet known, but probably 1/9/1939.
Promotions Company Sergeant Major.
Wounded Not as far as is known.
Prisoner of War Not as far as is known.
Died/Killed in action Date of death not yet known.
Home address No family information as yet (see note below).
Source table
Genealogical research has turned up several men with the same name - generally in and around Lincolnshire - so that it has not yet proved feasible to definitively identify Sgt Metheringham's family. The assistance of his relatives would therefore be most welcome in order to complete the gaps in the information on this page.
An internet record on gallantry awards indicated that he was awarded the Military Medal - gazetted 11/7/1940, whereas other sources mention the DCM. His name was not recorded correctly originally in the London Gazette (not an unusual occurrence as regards his records) and a corrective entry was placed subsequently. As will be seen, the original recommendation was for a Military Medal, but this was upgraded, before the award was made, to the Distinguished Conduct Medal.
The Citation for Sergeant Metheringham's award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal is set out below.
Citation reads;- On 27th May 1940 the Battalion Transport was heavily bombed and machine gunned by hostile aircraft. Five men were buried under debris, and this rescue was due to the Non-Commissioned Officer(4449491 Sgt John Metheringham) who led a rescue party under fire. His example of coolness and courage was outstanding. During the withdrawal to Dunkirk from the Arras area, this Non-Commissioned Officer set a magnificent example of courage and determination in carrying out his duties, carrying out many journeys during day and night in country known to be investigated by hostile A.F.V's and subject to hostile air attack. Original recommendation was for a Military Medal.London Gazette 11th July 1940.
