George Vokins

George Vokins joined the Dragoon Guards in 1910 and served with them in World War I, when he was decorated with the Military and Victory medals. He transferred to the 10th Hussars in 1922 and was promoted four years later to became one of the youngest regimental sergeant-majors in a cavalry post in the British Army. In 1938, Vokins was appointed quartermaster of the Leicestershire Yeomany.

A fine sportsman, Vokins was the highest placed of the four members of the British modern pentathlon team at the 1924 Olympics, in seventh place. He should have made his Olympic début at Stockholm 12 years earlier, but the regiment he was serving in at the time was called overseas for duty. Vokins was also a fine fencer and reached the final of both the national sabre and épée championships in 1926. After moving to Leicester, he became vice-president of the Leicester Fencing Club.