In August 2013, the UK government announced a campaign to honour Victoria Cross recipients from the First World War. As part of this, commemorative paving stones were laid in the birth place of Victoria Cross recipients to honour their bravery and provide a lasting legacy of local heroes within communities. A total of 628 Victoria Crosses were awarded during the First World War, of which 145 were awarded to servicemen who fought for Britain, but were born overseas.

Paving stones were unveiled at or near each individual’s birthplace 100 years to the day after the action for which they were awarded their medal, continuing until 2018.

Speaking in 2013, when the project was announced, then Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said: “It is our duty to remember the British and Commonwealth troops who lost their lives fighting in the Great War and we are determined to make sure their bravery for King and Country is not forgotten.

“Laying paving stones to mark these Victoria Cross heroes will ensure that there is a permanent memorial to all the fallen who fought for our country.”

Pickles said the paving stones would “connect communities to their shared history”, and help residents “understand how their area played its part in the Great War”.

The first Victoria Cross commemorative paving stones were laid on Saturday 23 August 2014, one of which was for Corporal Charles Garforth VC in Willesden Green who fought in the Battle of Mons and received one of the first Victoria Crosses of the First World War.