A ceremony was held at Kensington War Memorial today to reflect on local First World War hero George Dorrell.
Dorrell’s acts of valour on 1 September 1914 at the battle of Nery, France, saw him earn a Victoria Cross. A hundred years on, this has been marked with a special paving stone next to the memorial.
George Brand, Grandson of Dorrell said: “We’re here today to honour the VC won by my Grandfather, almost exactly 100 years ago.
“The mayor and myself are going to unveil a stone commemorating George’s VC.”
The stone is a large replica of the medal Dorrell received. It contains his name and the date of his heroism.
Lord Ahmad who is the minister for the community and behind the Victoria Cross Paving Stones programme, was also present to give a speech. After the ceremony he said: “People sometimes forget there were brave men who laid their lives at risk on the front line. Great acts of valour and bravery.
“There are other events like this up and down the country which will be taking place over the next four years marking those people, over 600 of them, who did those acts of valour that we’ve commemorated today.”
To find out more on the Victoria Cross Paving Stone programme, click here.
