Honouring Newman & Bond’s WWII Heroes: 80 Years On

by Ridley & Hall in Newsletter posted September 2, 2025.

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As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War Today, 2nd September, Ridley & Hall Solicitors are proud to commemorate this milestone by honouring the heroic contributions of Newman and Bond’s partners and staff who served in the Armed Forces during the war.

Ridley & Hall Solicitors, who will celebrate their centenary in 2027, acquired the Barnsley firm Newman and Bond in 2022. Newman and Bond, with Barnsley roots tracing back to the late 1700’s, have uncovered a remarkable Service Record of their partners’ involvement in WWII. This record, meticulously documented by an unknown office member in October 1940, captures the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices made during one of the darkest periods in Britain’s history.

At the time the record was created, Britain faced bleak prospects. Europe was under Hitler’s control, and Britain’s only allies were Canada, Australia, India, and other parts of the Empire. The USA had yet to enter the war. The evacuation of Dunkirk had taken place just five months earlier, and the Battle of Britain was ongoing. Amidst these challenging times, the Newman and Bond offices 35 Church Street and the adjoining Cooper Gallery served as an annex for the Beckett Hospital.

One of the notable figures in this record is Lt Colonel John Hodgkinson M.C, who was an officer in the 2/4 Battalion of the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (K.O.Y.L.I). Alongside him served Captain A.R. Keeping, who joined the Territorial Army in 1932 and became a regular army Captain in K.O.Y.L.I. in July 1939. Both had already seen action as part of the British Expeditionary Force in France and played crucial roles during the Dunkirk evacuation.

Their unit, as part of the rearguard, played a vital role in allowing 220,000 British and 120,000 French troops to escape the beaches of Dunkirk. Despite being heavily battered, they continued to fight on, eventually devising their own escape by walking from Dunkirk to Cherbourg—a remarkable journey of survival and determination.

Captain Keeping was later appointed Adjutant of his Battalion and served in France and North Africa, eventually being demobilized with the rank of Major in September 1945. Lt Colonel Hodgkinson also survived the war. Captain Keeping went on to become the Senior Partner of Newman & Bond until 1980, where he was affectionately known as “Major Keeping.”

Another distinguished individual in this record is H.L.S Dundas, also known as “Cocky” Dundas, so called because he was tall with unruly red hair which stood up like a cockerel, who joined Newman & Bond as an Articled Clerk in 1938. He later became a highly decorated RAF Fighter Ace. Dundas was part of 616 Squadron, flying Spitfires during the Battle of Britain and over Dunkirk. Despite being shot down and injured, he continued to serve with distinction, eventually being awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Distinguished Service Order.

As we reflect on these incredible stories of bravery and resilience, we are reminded of the immense debt of gratitude we owe to those who fought in World War II. Jack Leece, a former Partner at Newman and Bond, eloquently captures this sentiment: “Those who fought in World War II were responsible for great acts of heroism but never regarded themselves as heroes. We owe them a great debt of gratitude. Let us hope that we are never called upon to match their quiet fortitude and sacrifice. Lest we forget.”

Emma Pearmaine, Managing Director at Ridley and Hall says: “We believe that sharing these stories will not only honour the memory of those who served but also inspire our community to appreciate the rich history and legacy of our local heroes. We are proud to remember and celebrate the brave servicemen of Newman and Bond”.