Birmingham Gala to Honour 10 WWI Victoria Cross Heroes from the City
A special event is set to remember the incredible bravery of 10 Birmingham men who were awarded the Victoria Cross during the First World War. The Ten Heroes, One City at War gala dinner and VIP reception will take place on Saturday, March 21, at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. This significant occasion is being organised by the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), a charity dedicated to supporting military veterans and their families in times of need, with all proceeds going towards its ongoing work.
Sponsorship and Support from One Thousand Trades Group
The One Thousand Trades Group (OTTG) has been announced as the principal sponsor for the event. Professor Paul Cadman, CEO of OTTG, expressed pride in supporting this moment of sadness, pride, and celebration. He highlighted the group's commitment to the Armed Forces, including signing the Armed Forces Covenant to aid personnel transitioning to civilian life. Cadman emphasised that those who serve the country deserve honour and respect for their selfless and courageous actions.
Honouring Birmingham's Wartime Legacy
The event will not only pay tribute to the 10 heroes but also shed light on Birmingham's crucial wartime role. During the war, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery served as the Number 11 Recruitment Office from 1914 to 1918, leading to the formation of three City Battalions within the Royal Warwickshire Regiment. Graham Whitehouse, the ABF's regional director for the West Midlands, noted that Birmingham's heritage as the City of a Thousand Trades was vital in producing not only brave individuals but also essential supplies like ammunition and uniforms that equipped the forces.
Remembering the Heroes
Among those being honoured are:
- Corporal Alfred Wilcox, aged 33 from Aston in Birmingham, of the 2/4th Battalion of the Oxford and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry, who showed immense bravery under enemy fire at Laventie, France, in 1918.
- Sergeant Albert Gill, aged 36 from Selly Park, Birmingham, of the 1st Battalion King's Royal Rifle Corps, who was killed while directing his men under enemy fire at the Battle of Delville Wood on the Somme, France, in 1916.
This partnership between the ABF and OTTG is seen as deeply meaningful, celebrating Birmingham's legacy of craftsmanship, service, and extraordinary bravery. The event aims to inspire continued support for soldiers, veterans, and their families through the Army Benevolent Fund's vital work.
