Young Mrs. Stone, a Londoner now residing at 63 Cromwell-road, Rushden, was happily surprised on Wednesday morning when a reporter called and informed her that her sailor 24-years-old husband, L.T.O. Leslie Richard Stone, R.N., has been awarded the D.S.M. for his part in the action against the “Scharnhorst.”

Leading Torpedo Operator Stone, whose parents live at Bow, London, joined the Royal Navy when he was 17 years of age, for seven years active service and five years on the reserve, but the war has extended his active service. He was married to a London girl in December 1941, and the young couple have their home in Rushden with Mr. and Mrs. Tear.

During the war L.T.O. Stone has done several runs to and from Russia, also to S. Africa, and he helped with the landing of Allied troops on Madagascar.