As part of the Centenary Commemorations of the First World War, the Department of Communities and Local Government has been laying commemorative paving stones at the birthplace of each Victoria Cross recipient, to honour their bravery and to provide a lasting legacy within the communities of the local heroes.

A total of 628 Victoria Crosses were awarded during World War One, of which, 145 were awarded to servicemen who fought for Britain and were born overseas. These 145 internationally born servicemen were honoured on Thursday 5th March at a private unveiling ceremony at the National Memorial Abertorium by the Secretary of State the Rt Hon Eric Pickles also present was Bill Speakman VC JP who was awarded the Victoria Cross in the Korean conflict.

As part of the recent medals review a number of amended criteria for the award of certain medals has changed, over the coming weeks I will put them in this column.

The following are being specially remembered at Bradford Cathedral this week: Cecil Slater, William George Slater, Vernon Smith, Fred Ashton Smith, Leslie Smith, Arthur Smith, James Smith, Reginald Newton Spare, Roy Stagg, Arthur Stainthorpe, John Harvey Steel, Maurice Stephenson, William Edwin Leslie Stephenson, Jack Staples, John William Steward, William Henry Stoate, Leonard Stocks, Harold Storah, Walter Vernon Stoyles, Charley Sugden, Harry Campbell Sugden, Leslie Suggett, John Sugden.

Diary Dates

Today, The Royal Naval Association meets at 8pm at Feversham Street Sea Cadets Headquarters.

Tomorrow, The Prince of Wales Own Association meets at19.30hrs at Northcote Conservative Club.

The Green Howards Association meets at 19.30hrs at Headingley Club.

The Royal British Legion, Keighley Branch, meets at 7.30pm at New Variety club, Russell Street, Keighley.