Roll of Honour

Horace Stokes

Horace of Newbold passed away peacefully at the Brookholme Residential Care home on Friday 6th October aged 89. Born in, and a lifelong resident of Chesterfield, Horace enlisted at Derby into the regular army on 5th December 1946. In September 1947 he was posted to the Airborne holding Troop and in January 1948 having completed his qualifying 'jumps' was posted to 3 Para Sqn RE. He was posted from 3 Para Sqn in June 1950 and continued to serve in various Royal Engineers units in a variety of locations. He was eventually released to Section B Regular Army Reserves in June 1952.

His eventual release from Reserve Liability was actioned on 30th June 1959. During his army service Horace served in Germany, Africa and Korea. The latter of these postings is verified in the wording from the certificate received from the Korean government. The wording copied from this document is as follows:

"AMBASSADOR FOR PEACE"
Official Proclamation
MR HORACE STOKES

It is a great honour and pleasure to express the everlasting gratitude of the Republic of Korea and our people for the service you and your countrymen have performed in restoring and preserving our freedom and democracy.
We cherish in our hearts the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us re-establish our Free Nation.
In grateful recognition of your dedicated contributions, it is our privilege to proclaim you an "AMBASSADOR FOR PEACE" with every good wish of people of the Republic of Korea. Let each of us reaffirm our mutual respect and friendship that they may endure for generations to come.

Minister                                                              
Patriots and Veterans Affairs                              
Republic of Korea                                                                  

Chairman
Korean Veterans Association
Republic of Korea

After leaving the services Horace worked for the National Coal Board as a mining Engineer until his retirement in 1988. Horace enjoyed badminton, bowls walking in the Peak District, holidays abroad and watching Derbyshire cricket and the Spireites. He is survived by his wife Kathleen of 46 years, sons Paul & Nigel, grandchildren Daniel, Craig, Matthew & Samantha, daughter-in- law Janet, Ljuba, Angela & great grandchild Theodore