Post by Les on Feb 14, 2008 15:34:22 GMT
A plaque has been unveiled on the war memorial at Royston Church to commemorate the actions of a Barnsley soldier who recieved the Victoria Cross for his actions during World War I.
The ceremony took place at noon yesterday, exactly 90 years since Albert Shepherd was presented with his VC with oak leaf - the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.
November 20 1917 was the date 20-year-old Pte Shepherd, serving with the King's Royal Rifle Corps at Villers Plouich in France, would carryout his act of heroism.
Against orders, he charged a machine-gun post that was holding up his company, threw a Mills grenade killing two gunners and captured the gun.
As his company advanced Pte Shepherd took charge after his commanding officers and senior NCOs became casualties. Under heavy fire, he ordered his men to lie down and went back 70 yards to get the help of a tank.
He then returned to his men and led them to their objective. Albert survived the remainder of the war and died in 1966 aged 69.
The unveiling of his plaque yesterday was also marked with a visit to his grave in Royston Cemetery which was attended by Barnsley Mayor Len Picken, members of the Royal British Legion and members of Albert's family.
This was followed by a short service of dedication at the war memorial, followed by the sprinkling of poppy leaves and the unveiling of the plaque.
The plaque is inscribed "A small man in stature, but a giant among men."
Royal British Legion branch secretary Malcolm Cooper, who helped arrange the commemoration, said: "Many people in Royston are aware of Albert Shepherd's distinguished war service and local history group members will record the ceremony to increase that awareness still further."
Mayor Picken added: "He was a truly remarkable man and it is fitting that Royston has a permanent acknowledgement to his memory."
South Yorkshire Times
The ceremony took place at noon yesterday, exactly 90 years since Albert Shepherd was presented with his VC with oak leaf - the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.
November 20 1917 was the date 20-year-old Pte Shepherd, serving with the King's Royal Rifle Corps at Villers Plouich in France, would carryout his act of heroism.
Against orders, he charged a machine-gun post that was holding up his company, threw a Mills grenade killing two gunners and captured the gun.
As his company advanced Pte Shepherd took charge after his commanding officers and senior NCOs became casualties. Under heavy fire, he ordered his men to lie down and went back 70 yards to get the help of a tank.
He then returned to his men and led them to their objective. Albert survived the remainder of the war and died in 1966 aged 69.
The unveiling of his plaque yesterday was also marked with a visit to his grave in Royston Cemetery which was attended by Barnsley Mayor Len Picken, members of the Royal British Legion and members of Albert's family.
This was followed by a short service of dedication at the war memorial, followed by the sprinkling of poppy leaves and the unveiling of the plaque.
The plaque is inscribed "A small man in stature, but a giant among men."
Royal British Legion branch secretary Malcolm Cooper, who helped arrange the commemoration, said: "Many people in Royston are aware of Albert Shepherd's distinguished war service and local history group members will record the ceremony to increase that awareness still further."
Mayor Picken added: "He was a truly remarkable man and it is fitting that Royston has a permanent acknowledgement to his memory."
South Yorkshire Times