Friday, 25 April 2014

Action to tidy up all gravestones of Britain's Victoria Cross Recipients is very welcome

Sometimes charities, newspapers and government come together to do small things that really make you feel very proud. I do not know who thought this up but I am delighted that key servicemen charities, the Sun Newspaper and the Department for Communities and Local Government are committing money to the "Honour our Heroes Campaign". This is partiocularly apposite given it is the Frist World War anniversary. It ensures that money is spent making sure the gravestones of of Britains Victoria Cross Heroes are restored and respected properly, as proper and poignant tributes to remember them, and mark their sacrifice.
If you want an example of one of our local heroes - born in Ovingham - who is buried close by in Ryton - read here about the heroism of Frederick Dobson:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_William_Dobson

Born in Ovingham, Lance Corporal Dobson served in the 2nd Battalion, Coldstream Guards. In actions at Chavonne Aisne, France, on September 28, 1914, Lance Corporal Dobson went out twice under heavy fire and brought in wounded men who were lying exposed in the open; he was badly wounded in the process. For conspicuous gallantry, he was promoted Corporal and awarded the Victoria Cross by King George V on December 8, 1914. He died at age 48 in London, England, but is buried in nearby Ryton and Crawcrook cemetery. His grave is tended well I am told, but for others this is not the case and this is a worthy cause.
More details of the campaign, and why it genuinely matters, can be found here: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/campaigns/our_boys/5580338/Campaign-to-restore-VC-heroes-headstones.html