World War 1 Victoria Cross Paving Stones, location observation.

Just airing an observation.

I have taken photographs of many of the WW1 Victoria Cross paving stones in London.
On my travels I have been concerned that a number of the stones have been laid in the street where in time they will be forgotten and weather worn.Some have been laid in a town centre or at/near the home address of the recipient others within the bounds of the local war memorial.I assume it is a similar story around the UK.



Below is an article by War Memorials Trust

In general, War Memorials Trust does not recommend that these paving stones are added directly to existing war memorials or within their boundary, for example as a replacement for existing paving. This is because the nature of the inscriptions may not match the existing memorial; also the existing paving may have its own merit as well as forming part of the design of the memorial. In addition, the materials the new paving stone is made from may not be the same as the existing memorial or paving so its introduction may result in a visual change or physical damage to the original paving, or to the memorial itself.

When installing a VC paving stone, War Memorials Trust recommends that considerations should be given to not locating it on a main walkway as the inscriptions will wear quickly if they are walked over and some people may consider such use as disrespectful and that there should also be space for people to gather for services and to lay flowers.



Below a few different types of locations used around London.As you can see they are already becoming weather worn or placed on the public thoroughfare.

 

Clive, as usual some nice photos. I agree it would be a shame when these get worn and unreadable in the future. The second image, with railings around it is a great idea. Well done.

 

Over a year on from being laid this one ,as many will fade into obscurity
Covered in chewing gum and stuck by a fire exit of a shopping centre.
If you are going to do something do it right.

 

UK, Victoria Cross Medals, 1857-2007
Name: Honourable George Pearkes
Birth Date: 26 Feb 1888
Birth Place: Watford, Hertfordshire
Death Date: 30 May 1984
Death Place: Victoria, British Columbia, Canada


TD

 

George Pearkes was educated at Berkhamsted School, Herts before emigrating, at age 18, to Canada with his brother. His name lives on at the school where his sword is presented annually to the most outstanding Cadet in the Berkhamsted School CCF.
His biography is called For Most Conspicuous Bravery.

"I would have followed him through Hell," said one of the men who was serving with George Pearkes at Passchendaele where he won the Victoria Cross. If his men were devoted to him, he was equally so to them. In the character of this distinguished Canadian soldier and statesman "most conspicuous bravery," "utmost gallantry," and "supreme contempt of danger" were combined with a deep sense of duty and a zeal for service.


Tim

 

Contacted Westminster Council in 2017 stating spelling of first name.Should be Denis.
A small thing perhaps .
No reply

 

Denis G W Hewitt VC - victoriacross

 

Choosing a site for the stones The decision about the location of the stones is taken by the relevant local authorities. Councils should, where relevant, consult with communities and relatives to decide an appropriate location. It is hoped that the stones will be sited somewhere that would have had resonance with the VC recipient, such as outside a house that they lived in or near an old school, although this may not always be possible. Most importantly, the stones should be part of the community and sited in a position where they will be visible to members of the public.

We are encouraging councils to consider how they can increase the impact of the stone so that more people are able to learn about the community’s shared history. One way to do this could be through producing QR Codes that can be displayed nearby and that can be used by smart phone users to link to websites with information about the VC recipient. QR Codes are easy to create using free online software or apps such as QR Reader. Councils are also encouraged to upload the locations of stones along with details of the VC recipient to www.historypin.com a site that allows communities to upload content and to engage with shared local history.
https://assets.publishing.service.g...ile/319813/Guidelines_for_Councils_220514.pdf

 

A year on

 

Passing through. Holding up sort of

 

The ones at Oldham Parish Church are set in stone at an angle, and positioned behind the War Memorial cross. So far they have been left unscathed. Hopefully they will remain so.

 

Bethnal Green London
Weather worn but away from footfall

 

South Kensington London
Totally anonymous apart from the pigeon
LIEUTENANT

HUMPHREY FIRMAN

ROYAL NAVY
24th-25th APRIL 1916

 

Kensington War Memorial
Now weather worn and not easy to see from the pavement

 

This one just stuck outside an office block I first took a photo years ago a revisit and the stone is weathering ok
On the pavement in Bermondsey Sth London. Again no focus on placement

 

This one lost on a footpath next to Lambeth Palace 8 years on

 

Weather worn away from the public gaze

 

A couple that i came across in Ipswich. The pics were taken in 2021 so I've no idea what state they are in now. If I remember correctly they are in Christchurch park.
Mac.