WW1 Victoria Cross Commemorative Paving Stones Introduction As part of the remembrance of the sacrifice of the First World War, The Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) announced in August 2013, a campaign to honour all Victoria Cross (VC) recipients. Commemoration paving stones will be laid in or as close to the birth place of Victoria Cross recipients over the four year period of the 100th anniversary to remember the act of valour which led to the award. This is to: a) b) c) Honour their bravery Provide a lasting legacy of local heroes within communities Enable residents to gain a greater understanding of how their area fitted into the First World War story. A total of 628 Victoria Crosses were awarded during the First World War:  454 Victoria Crosses were awarded to UK-born recipients; 85 of these were born in London.  173 were awarded to servicemen who fought for Britain, but were born overseas. These VC holders will be commemorated in a separate service at the National Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire on a date yet to be announced. The organisers have requested that Royal British Legion Members local to the relevant Borough at which the paving stones are being laid, be invited to represent the Legion and join the Parade at which other Regimental Associations, serving soldiers from relevant Regiment of VC Recipient and ACF and CCF’s are taking part. All Parades to form up 15 minutes before the start time, in direct view of the covered paving stone and where possible front centre. Stood at ease and easy. RBL Formal Dress Code On formal parade occasions Legion members should be appropriately dressed. There is a general consensus that ideally each member present should wear a dark suit/blazer [or for Women’s Section a suit or dress, overcoat (if necessary) hat (preferably)], black shoes, etc. A person in a brightly coloured outfit on such a formal occasion seems somewhat out of place. Standard Bearers wear Standard Bearers Uniform Number 2 Dress, medals and leather is to be worn by serving soldiers. Specific Local Borough detailed Information pages 2 -4. 1 RBL Standard Bearers and Members invitation to specific London Ceremonies LONDON BOROUGH OF HILLINGDON - Tue 04 Nov 2014 at 1030hrs Pte Ryder of The Duke Of Cambridge’s Own Middlesex Regiment was awarded the VC for an action on 26 Sep 1916 and Pte Kinross of the Alberta Regiment, Canadian Expeditionary Force for an action on 30 Oct 1917. Both soldiers were born in the London Borough of Hillingdon. The Borough council has agreed that a ceremony to commemorate the award of these two Victoria Crosses and the unveiling of two commemorative paving stones will take place on Tue 04 Nov 2014 at 1030hrs at Harefield War Memorial followed by a plaque unveiling for the Field of Trust and a small reception on the Green. Location of stone and Parade forming up The commemorative paving stones will be laid at the War Memorial, Harefield. Military personnel and Standard Bearers are to assemble at Harefield Cricket Club car park, post code UB9 6NE at 1015hrs for a brief. VIP’s both Military and Civic and members of the public are to arrive at Harefield War Memorial no later than 1030hrs. Reception There will be a small reception held in a double sized marquee on the Village Green after the event. The Marquee will also hold an exhibit provided by the local history society of photo’s and newspaper reports of various events held on the Green from late 1800’s. 2 LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH COUNCIL - Fri 07 Nov 2014 at 1045hrs Capt John Vallentin of The South Staffordshire Regt, was awarded the VC for an action on 07 Nov 1914. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his part in the battle at Ypres on 7th November 1914. Despite being already very sick, he insisted on leading the attack on the German trenches as he was the highest ranking officer remaining. He was wounded and then killed after rising to continue the attack. The attack was successful and accredited to his inspirational leadership and acts of bravery. The London Borough of Lambeth has agreed that the ceremony to commemorate this will take place on Fri 07 Nov 2014 at 1100hrs followed by a reception at the Borough Offices, Lambeth Town Hall, Brixton Hill, Greater London SW2 1RW. Location of stone and Parade forming up 1030hrs. The gardens in front of the Garden Museum, 5 Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1 7LB. The commemorative stone will be laid in the grounds of St Marys Church, adjacent to the entrance of Lambeth Palace. Reception Following the parade attendees are invited to attend a small reception in the Garden Café inside the deconsecrated church of St Mary’s, 5 Lambeth Road, Lambeth SE1 7LB arranged by London borough of Lambeth council. For catering purposes; please RSVP Jamie Baker by Friday 31st October either by emailing [email protected] or telephone 020 7926 2307. LONDON BOROUGH OF LAMBETH COUNCIL - Wed 12 Nov 2014 at 10:45hrs Lt John Dimmer of Kings Royal Rifle Corps, was awarded the VC for an action on 12 Nov 1914. John Dimmer was awarded the Victoria Cross for an incredible display of heroism and gallantry at the Battle of Ypres. On 12th November 1914 Lt Dimmer was manning a machine gun in a defensive position at Klein Zillebeke when they came under attack from large force of Prussians. When his gun jammed he stood on the parapet to fix it and was shot in the jaw. On a second occasion, he was hit in the shoulder. He was also hit by shrapnel, which finally destroyed his gun. The German attack had failed largely down to Lt Dimmer’s actions. The London Borough of Lambeth has agreed that the ceremony to commemorate this will take place on Wed 12 Nov 2014 at 10:45hrs. The Mayor of Lambeth will be the official host of the ceremony, and the service will be conducted by the local parish priest, Father David Young. Location of stone and Parade forming up 1030hrs. The Southbank, at the base of the Silver Jubilee Flag, near the London Eye, SE1 7PB Reception Light refreshments will be served after the service in the Royal Festival Hall. For catering purposes; please RSVP Jamie Baker by Monday 3rd November, either by emailing [email protected] or telephone 020 7926 2307. 3 WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL - Tue 25 Nov 2014 at 1100hrs Lt Frank De Pass of 34TH Prince Albert Victor's Own Poona Horse, was awarded the VC for an action on 25 Nov 1914 and was the first person of the Jewish faith and the first Indian Army officer to receive the VC during World War I. Westminster City Council has agreed that the ceremony to commemorate this will take place on Tue 25 Nov 2014 at 1100hrs. Location of stone and Parade forming up 1045hrs. The commemorative stone will be laid at The Ministry of Defence gardens, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2HB. No Reception 4