Permanent tribute to seven brave men unveiled at Civic Centre
The Mayor of Hounslow, Councillor Felicity Barwood, has unveiled a plaque to honour the men, who all had a connection with the borough, and received the country’s most prestigious medal.
Cllr Barwood, said “This plaque permanently remembers the courageousness and gallantry of these heroes. Their acts in war contributed to peace and we all owe a debt to them. On behalf of the borough, I was delighted to unveil this memorial.”
The ceremony, attended by members of the Royal British Legion, councillors and Hounslow Council chief officers, marks the 150th anniversary of the Victoria Cross.
Capt Stewart Shaw, chaplain of Hounslow Royal British Legion, led prayers and blessed the memorial, which will be permanently on display at Civic Centre. The Victoria Cross was instituted by Royal Warrant on 29 January 1856 for award to both officers and non-commissioned ranks of the Royal Navy and the Army who, in the presence of the enemy, 'shall have performed some signal act of valour'.
Simple in design, the cross was made from the bronze cannon captured during the Crimean War (1854 - 1856). Subsequently it has been awarded to members of the other armed forces.
The Victoria Cross is still Britain's premier award for gallantry in face of the enemy and is worn before all other orders, decorations and medals.
Extensive research into Hounslow’s Victoria Cross heroes was carried out by Brian Briers, a member of the Isleworth Royal British Legion. His hard work precipitated arrangements for the permanent memorial. His next project is to lobby for the war memorial at St Lawrence’s Church in Brentford to be restored.
December 13, 2006
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