On 26th August 2014, ‘Bermondsey’s Own VC’, Fred Holmes, was honoured with a commemorative paving stone marking his birth place on Abbey Street, Bermondsey outside what is now the Bermondsey Square Hotel. One of the earliest recipients of the Victoria Cross in the First World War, the ceremony took place 100 years to the day of the acts of bravery for which Lance Corporal Holmes was recognised.
Read the full story here: Bermondsey’s Own First World War VC Commemorated
Reverend Kevin Bell, Assistant Chaplain General and Chaplain to the Household Division
Mrs Jenny Bianco, The Representative Deputy Lieutenant
Major Larry Davis; Officer Commanding G Company 7 Rifles based at West Ham, London E15 and Cllr Ian Wingfield, Deputy Leader of Southwark Council and Cabinet Member for Communities, Employment & Business
Cllr Neil Coyle, Deputy Mayor of Southwark, Cllr Wingfield and Michael Cleere, Civic Orator, Southwark Council
Cllr Sunil Chopra, Mayor of Southwark. Les Edwards, CpL Holmes’s nephew seated.
Cllr Sunil Chopra unveils paving stone commemorating First World War Victoria Cross recipient, Lance Corporal Holmes
John Benstead, Royal British Legion, Bermondsey and Rotherhithe branch
Mrs Jenny Bianco, The Representative Deputy Lieutenant
Col. Hugh Bodington Chief of Staff, London District
Former Cllr Wilma Nelson, nieces of FW Holmes VC, Simon Hughes MP for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, the Mayor of Southwark; Mrs Tracey Enever (great-grand-daughter of FW Holmes VC); Lady Mayor of Southwark; Sgt Johnson Beharry VC; Amy and Oliver Enever (great-great grandchildren of FW Holmes)
Sgt Johnson Beharry VC, Cllr Dora Dixon Fyle, Major Larry Davis; Officer Commanding G Company 7 Rifles based at West Ham, London E15