Mexborough and Swinton Times February 22, 1929

Honour for Darfield Officer

Mr. Robert Watkin, of Darfield, has been appointed to Officer in the Grand Priory in the British Realm of the Venerable Order of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. Three officers of the Wombwell Division of the Yorkshire Collieries Ambulance League have received the following. intimation :

“With reference to your application for recognition of the services of. Mr. Robert Watkin I have the honour to inform you that at a meeting of the Council he was nominated for admission to the Grand Priory,  Thisof the Order in the grade of Officer (Brother).” The appointment was subsequently announced in the “London Gavette.”

An officership in the Grand Priory of the Order of St. John is a rare distinction. The titles granted by the Order in recognition of long and valuable service fall under four heads. The minor distinctions are in two grader and, thirdly there is the, rank of Serving Brother or Serving Sister, this carrying with it the award of a decoration to be worn at Court, in uniform and on ceremonial occasions. The fourth and highest distinction is that of Officer. The names of the recipients of honour in grades three and four are published in the Roll of Honour, which includes almost the whole of the members of the Royal-Family and the medical profession.

Mr Watkin served as honorary secretary of the Wath Division of the Yorkshire Collieries Ambulance League since 1906. His nomination for an officership in the Order was supported by a long and honourable record of first aid work, was inspired by wide appreciation of his devotion and zeal.

When Mr Watkin first associated himself with the South Yorkshire College Ambulance League he had already been a keen supporter of first aid work for many years. As a memorandum in support of his nomination stated “His knowledge and organising ability, coupled with his enthusiasm for the work approved of the all value in carrying out the objects of the League. As always enjoyed the confidence of the men engaged in competitive work. His strict impartiality and sense of justice never once having been in question. Regular, punctual and efficient in all he undertakes, his work is still done with that geniality and good temper so necessary to succeed in skills of this kind. Few men have worked so devotedly, so honourably and with less thought of material reward than Watkin.

The memorial continues; “We fervently hope that his 41 year service may still be extended and that he may long be spared to continue and associations are gratified his colleagues and so beneficial to the cause of first-aid to the injured.”Air