Thatcham’s Victoria Cross memorial stones moved from Broadway crossing to raised plinths

Thatcham’s Victoria Cross memorial stones have been relocated.

This comes after town councillors questioned whether the central crossing of the Broadway was the right location for them.

The three panels, which mark the bravery of three Thatcham men who fought for the country, now sit on small plinths at the southern end of the Broadway.

The quieter location was chosen in a bid to remove the stones from a busy location where they could be easily damaged.

It is hoped they will be observed with more dignity now that they are raised up from the ground.

The interpretation board, which joined the stones in 2019, will also be moved to sit closer to them.

The stones were provided by the Department of Communities and Local Government to the hometowns of 504 servicemen from the British Isles who were presented with the Victoria Cross during the First World War.

They honour Second Lieutenant Alexander Buller Turner, Lieutenant Colonel Victor Buller Turner and Lance Corporal William House.

The Victoria Cross is awarded for most conspicuous bravery, some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy.

The Broadway saw the unveiling of a stone dedicated to Alexander Buller Turner on September 28, 2015, exactly 100 years after the battle that led to him being posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

It was unveiled alongside stones honouring William John House and Alexander’s younger brother Victor Buller Turner who was awarded his VC 27 years later.

Private William John House, Royal Berkshire Regiment, Princess Charlotte of Wales’s, 2nd Battalion received the Victoria Cross from HM King Edward VII on October 24, 1902.

Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) Victor Buller Turner, Rifle Brigade, The Prince Consort's Own was appointed a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order (CVO) in 1966 in connection with his services to the Royal Household.

He was promoted to Lieutenant of the Queen's Bodyguard in 1967.