SecretLeeds - History, culture and architecture in Leeds

There is a report on a BBC local news website today about a plaque honouring a Sgt Major John Raynes who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his action at the Battle of Loos in October 1915. The plaque was unveiled today at the Cenotaph in Sheffield and a wreath lain at his grave at Harehills Cemetery at the same time. In the BBC report it states "Sgt Maj Raynes, who was born in Sheffield in 1887, served with Leeds City Police before and after the war, retiring from the force in 1926. He died on 12 November, 1929 at his home in Chapeltown, Leeds, aged 42".

This is a link to the BBC report http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-so ... e-34502665

Edit added shortly after posting. I have now found a report on the Yorkshire Post website that has more information and includes a short video of the wreath laying at Harehills Cemetery. This is a link to that http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/mai ... -1-7510773. You may need to see an advert video before the wreath laying video.

Project Inspire by Abbey Grange School

LEEDS VICTORIA CROSS MEMORIAL

There is a memorial in Leeds City Centre to Victoria Cross holders who were either born or died in Leeds. It is situated at the junction of the Headrow and Park Row, near the Henry Moore Institute and The Light. Instituted by Queen Victoria in 1854, the Victoria Cross has been awarded over 1,350 times. Most recently to Corporal Bryan Budd, of the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, who died in action in Afghanistan in 2006. He displayed ‘inspirational leadership and the greatest of valour’. The metal for the medals are from Russian Guns captured in the Crimean War .

http://www.projectinspire.kk5.org/#/lee ... 4536243310

This is an excellent document put together by children at Abbey Grange School

Thanks buffaloskinner for that link which has information on many things, including for example such as about the Butcher Hill and Otley POW camps. Thanks to all at Abbey Grange School for producing the excellent document.