A paving stone to commemorate a Kidderminster soldier who was awarded the Victoria Cross is being unveiled on Monday 3 September 2018.

The paving stone is in memory of Private John Francis Young VC who was born and brought up in Kidderminster. It has been provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government as part of a national programme to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

Councillor Stephen Williams, Chairman of Wyre Forest District Council is unveiling the paving stone at a ceremony on Monday 3 September at 11am. It is taking place in front of the Angel of Peace, outside St Mary’s and All Saints Church, Kidderminster.

Members of the public are invited to attend the ceremony. They may also view the stone in the foyer of Wyre Forest House on weekdays between 9am and 5pm up until 5pm on Wednesday 29 August.

The ceremony will be attended by local dignitaries and veterans’ organisations as well as representatives of the Canadian High Commission and the Canadian Grenadier Guards.

Private Young won the Victoria Cross, Britain’s highest decoration for gallantry in the face of the enemy, while serving with the 87th Battalion, Quebec Regiment (Canadian Grenadier Guards) of the Canadian Expeditionary Force.

On 2 September 1918, Private Young showed conspicuous bravery in tending the wounded in the open while under fire, and “continued to show the greatest valour and devotion to duty” throughout operations from 2 to 4 September.

Councillor Stephen Williams said:

“It will be a great honour for me to unveil the paving stone to commemorate the centenary of the remarkable heroism of this soldier from Kidderminster, and I would be delighted if the event was well-supported by local residents.”