Village tribute to its Victoria Cross heroes
Special guests and families attend unveiling of plaques for WW1 fallen
AS THE sun shone weakly through autumn mist, members of two families were joined by civic and military dignitaries to commemorate two war heroes.
Robert Edward Ryder and Cecil John Kinross, two ‘sons’ of Harefield who received the Victoria Cross during the First World War, have been honoured with engraved plaques, which were unveiled at the village war memorial on The Green on Tuesday last week.
Also at the ceremony was Lance Sergeant Johnson Beharry VC, who, on March 18, 2005, was awarded the Victoria Cross for twice saving members of his unit in Iraq.
Councillor Ray Puddifoot, leader of Hillingdon Council, which arranged the installations, said: “It is important to recognise Hillingdon’s heritage and those who have been part of our community.
“The Victoria Cross was awarded 628 times for action in the First World War and it is therefore remarkable that two of the recipients were born in the same village.
“Their acts of bravery are something Harefield and Hillingdon should be very proud of.”
For a full gallery of pictures from the day, please go to www.getwestlondon.co.uk