Welshpool's VC hero

 The town hall (also used as a market hall) stands proudly on the main street of Welshpool, a small town on the Welsh border. It dates back to the early 19^th century. If you look carefully down a narrow street to its side you will find a stone plaque to the memory of William Herbert Waring,  who was born and lived in the town and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for personal bravery.

On 18 September 1918 at Ronssoy in northern France, Lance Sergeant Waring, of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers (previously the Royal Welch Fusiliers) led an attack against an enemy machine gun post and in the face of devastating fire single-handedly rushed the strong-point, bayoneting four of the garrison and capturing 20 prisoners with their guns. He then returned to reorganise his men and, under heavy shell and machine gun fire, led and inspired them for another attack over 400 yards, before falling mortally wounded himself.

Waring is buried at Ste Marie Communal Cemetery, Le Havre, Seine Maritime, France. His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd, Wales. He
had already been awarded the Military Medal for bravery in Palestine. His official citation referred to his “valour, determination and leadership” and stated that the award was made for “most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty”. His parents, no doubt proud but grieving at the same time, received his Victoria Cross at an investiture at Buckingham Palace.

Welshpool’s pride in its local hero was demonstrated when the, impressive but also somewhat

unassuming memorial was unveiled in January 2018. His name and awards are also inscribed on a gravestone in nearby Christ Church.