Unveiling of the Overseas VC Stones at the National Memorial Arboretum

Thursday 5th March saw a paving stone unveiling ceremony to commemorate the 145 overseas-born World War I recipients of the Victoria Cross.

As part of the Centenary commemorations of World War I the Department of Communities and Local Government will lay commemorative paving stones in the birth place of each Victoria Cross recipient, to honour their bravery and to provide a lasting legacy within the communities of their local heroes.

The Victoria Cross was introduced by 1856 by Queen Victoria to honour acts of valour during the Crimean War. The bronze Cross is cast from the metal of Russian guns captured at Sevastopol during the Crimean campaign. During World War I a total of 628 Victoria Crosses were awarded, 145 of these were awarded to servicemen born overseas, in 19 countries, who fought for Britain.

A national competition was held to design the commemorative paving stones, Charlie MacKeith, a London-based architect was the winner. His design features on the paving stones at both the Arboretum and around the UK

Of the 145 stones dedicated, 14 are New Zealand. To commemorate the contribution made by the New Zealanders Brigadier ‘Lofty’ Hayward attended the ceremony.