Heritage: 1915 - Bravery of soldier marked at service

Private Edward Barber, from Tring, was awarded a Victoria's Cross medal for bravery for his efforts during the First World War

A soldier who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his brave actions during the First World War is to remembered at a memorial service.

On March 12 1915 Private Edward Barber single-handedly attacked and captured a German position at Neuve-Chapelle.

Two days later, Private Barber, from Tring, died in action although he was later awarded a Victoria Cross, the highest honour possible for gallantry.

Private Barber’s family plus some of his friends visited Ypres on Wednesday night as part of a trip organised by the High Street Baptist Church.

More than thirty people attended including the mayor of Tring, councillor Stephen Hearn.

Following the half-hour service at the Menin Gate where a wreath was laid on behalf of Tring Town Council, a half-hour memorial service was held at a local church led by the Rev Andrew Cowley where a wreath and framed photograph of Private Barber was left.

The service was followed by a coach journey to the battlefield at Neuve Chapelle where Private Barber lost his life and then to the War Grave Memorial at Le Touret where Evelyn and Paul Barber laid a further wreath at the place where Edward is remembered.

In Tring a memorial plaque to Private Barber was unveiled at a short commemoration service in Church Square by the deputy mayor of Tring, councillor Roxanne Ransley.

The service was led by the Revd Huw Bellis with a number of local dignitaries and organisations in attendance.

Private Edward Barber was born in 1893, the son of William and Sarah Ann Barber.

He began his working life as a bricklayer’s labourer, and was enlisted in the army in October 1911.

After three years of service he was due to be transferred to the reserve and was considering leaving to join the police but the outbreak of war put paid to any career change.