9 August 2013

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EAST Grinstead is going to be presented with a specially commissioned paving stone to commemorate the town as the birthplace of Private Sidney Godley VC.

The Government announced this week that all WWI holders of the Victoria Cross will be honoured with a paving stone as part of next year’s centenary commemoration of the 1914-18 war.

Private Godley, who is already remembered with a blue plaque on the wall of East Court Mansion, was the first private soldier to be awarded the medal for valour in WWI.

Despite being twice wounded he held a bridge under heavy fire, allowing his comrades to escape, and was subsequently captured.

He was told of his award while still a p.o.w. and eventually received it from King George V at Buckingham Palace in 1919.

Town Clerk Julie Holden said: “We are thrilled that the national commemorations are to honour the most valiant from the First World War by commissioning the paving stones.

“Pte Godley was born in East Grinstead and while the family has long since moved away he remains part of the town’s history, and this recognition in his birthplace will, I hope, be seen as fitting.”

Read more about Sidney at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidney_Godley