A HEARTFELT ceremony was held in Malvern to commemorate a brave Victoria Cross winner.
More than 70 people turned out to the event which was hosted for the re-dedication of the memorial to Henry Ward VC, at Great Malvern Cemetery on Saturday (September 12).
Dozens of Henry’s descendants and representatives of the Queen’s Own Highlanders Regimental Association also turned out.
The ceremony included readings from Coun Julian I’Anson, Mayor of Malvern, David Price, representing Henry’s descendants, and Captain Ross Murray, speaking on behalf of the Queen’s Own Highlanders Regimental Association.
A minute’s silence concluded proceedings.
Aureen and Derek Hardie, descendants of Henry who travelled from Inverness in Scotland on the day, said: “What a lovely tribute to our brave ancestor.
“We could not have wished for anything better.
“The whole family is delighted by the new stone and we would like to thank everyone for their tributes during the ceremony, everyone who donated to the restoration fund and Malvern Town Council staff for looking after us so well.”
Private Henry Ward was born in Harleston, Norfolk, in 1823 and joined the 78th Highlanders where he was deployed to India and fought during the Indian Mutiny of 1857.
It was there he won a Victoria Cross for his bravery in saving the life of Lieutenant Henry Havelock, along with another comrade.
After being discharged from the army, he married and came to Malvern, where he lived until his death aged just 44.
Residents donated generously to the town councils fund-raising campaign for the restoration of the stone.
