The “Legion Letter” for February reminded Branches that a Resolution passed at Annual Conference 2002 called upon all Branches within whose area a holder of the Victoria Cross was born, to ensure that the recipient’s valiant deeds were recorded on a suitable plaque or tablet.
Following on from an article which appeared in the “Family Tree Magazine” which stated that a James Thompson[1], who was born in Yoxall, was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1857* during the Indian Mutiny, and was in fact, one of the first soldiers from Staffordshire to be awarded this honour, we decided to look further into this.
With the help of a local historian, a very thorough search was undertaken, and eventually the true identity of the man was discovered.
Accordingly a plaque has been placed in St.Peter’s Church, Yoxall commemorating this historic deed. This will remind future generations that a man from this area was awarded the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth Forces.
The Rector of Yoxall, The Reverend Jenny Lister, dedicated this plaque on Saturday 12th August. In addition to Branch members, representatives from Yoxall Parish Council, St.Peter’s Church and local residents were in attendance.