Blue Plaque Unveiled in Pontefract to Honour 9 KOYLI Victoria Cross Recipients

On February 27th, at Minden House, the Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Mr. Ed Anderson CBC, unveiled a Pontefract Civic Society Blue Plaque to honor the nine Victoria Cross recipients from the Boer War and World War I.

The event was attended by civic dignitaries, senior staff from Battalion Headquarters 8Rifles, members of the Pontefract Civic Society, and invited members of the Association.

We were honored by the presence of family members of Lieutenant Colonel Harry Greenwood VC, Serjeant John Ormsby VC, and Private Charles Ward VC.

Four members of the Minden House Buglers—Major (Retired) David Jarratt, Steve Tagg, Pete Bate, and Brian Johnson—performed a fanfare as the Blue Plaque, flanked by KOYLI Standards carried by Rob Smith and Colin Cranswick, was unveiled.

ITV Calendar News filmed the unveiling and interviewed family members of the Victoria Cross recipients. The aired coverage can be viewed here.

Pontefract Civic Society Blue Plaque honouring the 9 KOYLI VC Recipients

Lord Lieutenant Ed Anderson CBE unveiled the plaque

Nephews of the Lt Col Harry Greenwood VC

Mr Mick Ward, the Grandson of Pte Charles Ward VC with Lt Col (Retd) Robin Smith KOYLI

Jason Yarrow the Great Grandson of Sjt John Ormsby VC MM