THE medals to a South Cumbrian hero of the First World War are due to be sold at auction tomorrow.

Swarthmoor-born John Hodgson was warded the Distinguished Conduct Medal - second only to the Victoria Cross - for outstanding bravery.

The DCM, plus his Silver War Medal and Victory Medal, are among lots in the sale by Bosleys Military Auctioneers of Marlow, Buckinghamshire, and are expected to sell for £800 to £1,200.

The 1911 census had a John Hodgson, aged 13, staying with his aunt Elizabeth Townson and her two sons Alfred and Harry at Goad Street, Swarthmoor.

During the First World War he was a sergeant, army number 27744, serving with the 8th Battalion of the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment.

The citation for the DCM appeared in the London Gazette on December 5 in 1918.

It noted: "For conspicuous gallantry during an attack, when his platoon had fought their way through a village and were consolidating the objective forward, an enemy machine gun opened from a house behind them. 

"This non commissioned officer immediately went back through intense fire, to attack it. 

"Finding himself unable to get at the gun unaided he ran over to a tank 300 yards away and guided it to the house and he rushed this position and brought away the gun. 

"His splendid courage and initiative saved many casualties and enabled consolidation to be satisfactorily completed."