Bishop to lead Victoria Cross Memorial Service

Last Updated on Wednesday, 27 June 2012 08:00

The Bishop of Doncaster Peter Burrows, will be leading a Victoria Cross Memorial Service at Arksey Lane Cemetery (Station Road, Doncaster, DN5 0SD) this Sunday (24 June, 11am).

The Service will be to honour the life and work of Thomas Bryan who was awarded the Victoria Cross by His Majesty, King George V.

The Victoria Cross is the highest military honour awarded to members of the armed forces. Thomas Bryan was awarded his medal for the bravery he showed during the Battle of Arras (www.warchronicle.com/wwi/battles/vimy.htm).

He was wounded and in an effort to silence a machine gun which was inflicting damage he worked along a communication trench, approached the gun from behind, disabled it and killed two of the team as they were abandoning the gun.

Bishop Burrows said today: “As we remember the bravery of Thomas Bryan and give thanks for the work now completed on his grave we also look forward to the on-going work of the Victoria Cross Trust as it seeks to further the achievements of those who have risked their lives for the Queen and Country and in recognition have been awarded the Victoria Cross.”

The service will be attended by both Mayors of Doncaster (civic and elected), and the Northumberland Fusiliers veterans will be providing a bugler to play the last post.

Members of the public wishing to attend are welcome to do so at Arksey Cemetery.(http://victoriacrosstrust.org/bryanmemorial.php)