Henry Lysons VC - Grave cleaned in Rodmarton

Thomas Wilkinson VC

The Victoria Cross Trust has recently inspected the grave of Thomas Wilkinson VC, who became a Bombardier in the Royal Marine Artillery, just prior to the outbreak of the Crimean War. On 7th June 1855, he was under constant heavy fire at Sebastopol but continued to place sandbags on the batteries to replace the damaged bags.

He was one of the first 62 men to be decorated with the Victoria Cross medal at Hyde Park by Queen Victoria later that year. After his military career he returned to his home town of York where he became the manager of Rymer’s Sand Yard. Thomas Wilkinson VC is laid to rest in a very large but peaceful cemetery near the centre of York. His headstone would benefit from some restoration and the VCT are hoping to clean his grave in the near future.

Daniel Laidlaw VC

The Victoria Cross Trust has recently inspected the grave of Daniel Logan Laidlaw VC, known as the Piper of Loos. In 1915 the London Gazette explained why Daniel was awarded the VC;

‘For most conspicuous bravery prior to an assault on German trenches near Loos and Hill 70 on 25th September 1915. During the worst of the bombardment, when the attack was about to commence, Piper Laidlaw, seeing that his company was somewhat shaken from the effects of gas, with absolute coolnesss and disregard of danger, mounted the parapet, marched up and down and played the company out of the trench. The effect of his splendid example was immediate, and the company dashed out to the assault. Piper Laidlaw continued playing his pipes till he was wounded’.

The grave is in good repair within St Cuthbert’s churchyard, Norham in Northumberland. It is a beautiful church and cemetery located close to the river Tweed. In the cemetery there are several commonwealth war graves but also numerous graves of soldiers who fell in the first and second world wars. Some of these graves are in need of care and the Victoria Cross Trust will be contacting local veteran and historical groups in the future to explore opportunities to provide ongoing care and maintenance for the graves.