VC paving stones

Green Howards Victoria Cross recipients from the First World War are being commemorated with special paving stones unveiled in their home towns.

The initiative was announced in 2013, as part of official events to mark the centenary of the war.

The paving stones are being unveiled in ceremonies and services throughout the country, with four Green Howards soldiers honoured during 2016.

2nd Lt Donald Simpson Bell VC – unveiled on 5 July 2016 at the cenotaph in Harrogate.

Private William Henry Short VC – unveiled on 6 August 2016 at the Remembrance Cross in Eston Cemetery, Middlesbrough (left).

Major Stewart Walter Loudon-Shand VC – Major Loudon-Shand was born in Sri Lanka.  He was commemorated with other VC recipients who were born overseas at the National Arboretum in March 2015.

Captain Archie Cecil Thomas White –  unveiled at Hall Square, Boroughbridge on 1 October 2016.  The picture on the left shows his niece at the ceremony.

The VC commemorative stones are made of Scoutmoor Yorkstone, and are 60cm square.  Charlie MacKeith from London won the competition to design the stone; it uses the material, form and lettering of memorials used by the War Graves Commission.

The stones include the name of the individual, their rank and regiment and the date of the action for which the VC was awarded.