Ipswich WW1 Victoria Cross Plaque unveiling 26th September 2015.

Descendants of the V.C. winners viewing the plaques in the Mayors Parlour before being installed.

2015 Marked the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Loos, where two Ipswich men were awarded the highest military honour the “Victoria Cross.”

To commemorate their awards two commemorative stone plaques were produced in a national campaign to recognise all WW1 Victoria Cross winners.

Arthur Saunders V.C., and Samuel Harvey V.C., both survived the First World War. Arthur also served in WW2, in the Home Guard.

The Plaques where applied for and installed by I.B.C. and the Mayors office. Time was taken to find a fitting location, and the site was decide upon as the entrance to Christchurch Park. The route for every military parade for Remembrance Sunday, a route taken by both men over many years.

Both families of the V.C. winners were invited as “guests of honour” to the unveiling. A short service and a blessing, followed by the two men’s citation on how they gained their honours, read by Mr. Taff Gillingham (historian), and Cllr. Alasdair Ross (former Riffle Brigade). The event was hosted by the Mayor of Ipswich, Cllr. Glen Chisholm. Many members of the public and Veteran associations attended. The event concluded with a visit to the Town Hall for a WW1  exhibition, commemorating the Battle of Loos and the men’s lives.  

The youngest members of the men’s families help unveil the plaques, both plaques covered by Union Jacks

A WW1 exhibition was held in the Town Hall to mark the 100th anniversary.