War soldiers will get paving stone honour

war heroes John William Ormsby and Horace Waller put their lives on the line to serve our country.
Private Horace Waller lost his life in action.Private Horace Waller lost his life in action.
Private Horace Waller lost his life in action.

Both were awarded with Victoria Crosses in recognition of their bravery.

And now paving stones will be laid in North Kirklees to honour them in their home district.

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The lasting memorials are part of a government scheme to commemorate First World War soldiers who were awarded the cross.

Sergeant William Ormsby fought during the First World War.Sergeant William Ormsby fought during the First World War.
Sergeant William Ormsby fought during the First World War.

Coun Paul Kane said: “I think it is a fantastic remembrance and recognition for the two VCs.

“They were two wonderful Dewsbury people who put their lives on the line for our country and it is something Dewsbury is eternally grateful for and should be commemorative of.

“I think it is a great thing that the government has put forward this scheme as part of the World War One commemorations.

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“It is something for the children of the future to be able to look at.

Sergeant William Ormsby fought during the First World War.Sergeant William Ormsby fought during the First World War.
Sergeant William Ormsby fought during the First World War.

“And I hope that we mark this with the respect that these men deserve.”

The Victoria Cross is the highest military honour and is awarded for gallantry.

Horace Waller, who was born in Batley Carr, was a private in The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI).

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He was awarded the cross for his actions on April 10, 1917, when he was killed in an enemy attack whilst defending an army position on battlefields in France.

John Ormsby was a KOYLI sergeant, born and raised in Dewsbury.

He received the cross for his bravery during an operation in France on April 14, 1917, which led to the capture of an important position.

The men’s honorary stones are due to be delivered to the district early next year.

It will then be decided where they will be laid.

A commemorative unveiling will then take place, possibly as part of the town Freedom Parade.

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