A CARVED stone is to be unveiled next to Silecroft war memorial to mark 100 years since the outstanding bravery of Tom Fletcher Mayson earned him the Victoria Cross.

The ceremony is to take place at 11am on Sunday, July 30 and will be led by the Reverend Gill Hart, with civic and military representatives due to attend.

Light refreshments are being served in Silecroft Village Hall after the ceremony – which is part of a national programme of events to mark the centenary of individual First World War VC awards

The Victoria Cross is Britain’s highest award for valour and just over 600 were awarded to the six million who served during the war.

Mayson’s VC was awarded for outstanding conduct during an attack on the German lines at Wieltje in Belgium which began on July 31, 1917.

Details of the award were published in the government’s newspaper, the London Gazette, of September 14, 1917.

It said: “For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when with the leading wave of the attack his platoon was held up by machine-gun fire from a flank.

“Without waiting for orders, Lance-Sergeant Mayson at once made for the gun, which he put out of action with bombs, wounding four of the team.

“The remaining three of the team fled, pursued by Lance-Sergeant Mayson to a dugout

into which he followed them, and disposed of them with his bayonet.

“Later when clearing up a strong point, this non-commissioned officer again tackled a machine-gun single-handed, killing six of the team.

“Finally, during an enemy counter-attack, he took charge of an isolated post, and successfully held it till ordered to withdraw as his ammunition was exhausted.

“He displayed throughout the most remarkable valour and initiative.”

Tom Fletcher Mayson was born at the John Bull pub, Silecroft, on November 3, in 1893. He was the son of Hodbarrow miner William Mayson and Ann (nee Kneebone).

After attending Whicham School and working as a farm labourer he joined the

1/4th Battalion of King’s Own Royal (Lancaster) Regiment on November 16 in 1914 as number 200717.

He went to France in May 1915 and by early 1917 he had been wounded twice and promoted to corporal, then lance-sergeant.

In December 1917 a huge crowds at Millom and Silecroft greeted Lance-Sergeant Mayson when he returned on leave.

He told the crowds: “I am no good at this sort of work but I think it is my duty to thank you all.

“I am sorry I can’t say any more but I thank you all who are present now.”

A public subscription raised more than £200. He was presented with £169 in war loans certificates, a gold watch and an illuminated address recording his bravery.

After the war he returned to the Silecroft area and for a time was green keeper at

Silecroft Golf Club and later worked at Sellafield.

He married Sarah Eleanor (nee Sharp), who died in 1946 at the age of 59.

In 1956 he attended the Victoria Cross centenary celebrations held in London.

He died at North Lonsdale Hospital, Barrow on February 21, 1958, aged 64, and was buried on February 24 at St Mary’s churchyard, Whicham, with full military honours.

His medals are displayed at the regimental museum in Lancaster.