Paying respects to Great Uncle William VC MM

It was a birthday present to remember for one popular Welshpool man, who has completed an emotional pilgrimage to visit the grave of his Victoria Cross-winning Great Uncle William Waring.

Peter Waring Owen (locally known as Ben), celebrated his 60^th at the Westwood in January, with double reason to celebrate after recently receiving the all-clear from his two-year battle with prostate cancer.

He had made it known to family and friends that ever since he was brought up being told the incredible stories of his Great Uncle’s bravery, he had always wanted to visit William’s grave in Le Havre, France, to pay his respects and say a special thank-you.

William’s exploits are legendary. Born in Welshpool, Lance-Sergeant Waring led an attack against German machine-guns on the front line in France and in the face of devastating fire, single-handedly rushed a strong-point, bayoneting four of the garrison and capturing 20 with their guns.

He then reorganised his troops, leading and inspiring them for another 400 yards until he fell mortally wounded.

He was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest award for bravery, which is displayed at the Royal Welch Fusliers Museum at Caernarfon Castle. He also received the Military Cross.

“Dad has been fighting prostate cancer for the last two years and has now come through the other side with clear results,” said daughter, Lucy Field. “So we thought it was about time he was able to fulfil his dream.

“We organised a 60th birthday party for him at the Westwood and everyone that came put money in to get him and his wife to the Sainte Marie Cemetery in Le Havre.

“We presented this to him with a poppy wreath from the Royal British Legion at his party and its fair to say he was overcome.”

At the weekend, Ben’s dream came true when he made an emotional visit to his Great Uncle’s grave side.

“Dad was very emotional as he was standing beside his Great Uncle’s grave along with the many young brave souls that lost their lives for ours. He bears the name of Waring (Peter Waring Owen) to commemorate him and also named his son William Waring Owen to carry on the legacy of this courageous brave man who we will never forget.”

William Herbert Waring VC MM (13 October 1885 – 8 October 1918) is also commemorated on the wall of the Town Hall.