On the wall of St Paul's Church, Grange, a simple wooden cross tells a story of bravery and of a life lost in tragic circumstances.

The cross was one of thousands which were constructed by regimental carpenters as a temporary measure to mark battlefield graves of the First World War.

When they were gradually replaced by the white Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstones, families were given a opportunity to have the original wooden crosses.

Few took up the offer and the Grange example, named to Major Hubert Podmore is one of around 250 in Britain, nine of which are in Cumbria

Close to the cross is a bronze plaque to the major's father George Podmore, founder in 1882 of Charney Hall School, Grange.

The wooden cross says that Major Podmore served with the 6th Battalion of the Northamptonshire Regiment but was attached to the 12th Middlesex at the time he was "accidentally killed" on December 31 in 1917.

Trench mortars - which fired shells at a high angle before they dropped into opposing trenches - were being tried out as a method of attacking German aircraft.

A practice shoot was arranged at Vimy Camp near Haringhe but as it began some ammunition exploded and Maj Podmore and six others were killed.

He was buried in Haringhe Military Cemetery, Bandaghem.

Hubert Podmore was born in Grange in 1883, the son of George and Matilda.

He was a pupil at his father's Grange School before gaining a degree at Oxford University and becoming a master at Rugby School.

By September 1914 he had been commissioned as an officer in the Northamptonshire Regiment and went to France in July 1915.

He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order in May 1916 for his skill in defending against an enemy night attack.

The government newspaper, the London Gazette, noted: "It was largely due to Captain Podmore that his company held its own in spite of very heavy bombardment, and repelled every attack."

He was wounded in August 1917 and sent home, against his wishes, on medical leave.

In December he was recalled to take command of the 12th Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment but was only in charge for eight days before his accidental death.

A memorial service was held for him at St Paul's Church, Grange, on January 10 in 1918.