Some of the most highly-decorated servicemen from the Coventry area will be recognised at the War Memorial Park.
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Leamington-born Private Henry Tandy, who also lived in Coventry, received the Victoria Cross (VC) – the highest award for gallantry – during the capture of Marcoing village in France and the subsequent counter-attack on September, 28, 1918.
Pte Tandy’s name is one of five Coventry VC winners whose names will be etched on the new platform surrounding the cenotaph.
The other four are Private William Beesley, who single-handedly shot four of the enemy and took six prisoners in France; Sergeant Charles Edward Haydon Parker for his heroics during the Boer War; Petty Officer Alfred Edward Sephton, who was mortally wounded as he defended HMS Coventry from enemy fire; and Private Arthur Hutt, who led about 50 enemies to surrender in Belgium.
Their names will be engraved on five discs as part of the second phase of work to improve the 87ft monument at the park, which was cleaned last year ahead of the Remembrance Sunday service.
It will also see the granite steps leading to the monument replaced and a new access ramp created.
As part of the work, a bronze circle will also be installed around the monument on which three quotes will be engraved including part of Laurence Binyon’s poem For the Fallen.
I already knew William Beesley had been killed in the First World War, I didn't know until now in what circumstances or that he'd been awarded the Victoria Cross!
The Beesley family are mostly remembered as timber merchants and model suppliers in Spon End but they actually began as local watchmakers.
