THE 90th anniversary of the death of Liverpool war hero Noel Chavasse was marked at the weekend with the laying of wreaths at his former home and at the Anglican Cathedral.

Chavasse, who was killed in action in Belgium in 1917 aged 32, remains the only person ever to have been awarded two Victoria Crosses and the Military Cross.

As the doctor attached to the Liverpool Kings Regiment in World War I, he was awarded his second VC posthumously.

At 1pm on Saturday, the time of Chavasse’s death, a small congregation, including relatives of the war hero and military officials, gathered outside 19 Abercromby Square to pay their respects.

The party laid a poppy wreath at the front door before moving on to the Anglican Cathedral, where Chavasse’s father served as bishop, to lay another.

Chavasse’s first VC was won after an attack on the fortified village of Guillemont, on the Somme, in August, 1916.

After nightfall, Chavasse and his team brought back 20 wounded men, some of whom were only 25 yards from the German front line.

Working by torchlight, Chavasse ignored sniper fire as he searched for the wounded.

His second award was bestowed after he died at Ypres, in 1917.

Although severely wounded himself, he spent two days, from July 31 to August 2, tending to injured men in a captured German blockhouse, which he repeatedly left under fire to search for and carry back casualties.

He was killed when a shell landed inside the dugout, and was buried at Brandhoek New Military Cemetery, Vlamertinge.

Now campaigners say they will use the anniversary to kick-start their fundraising efforts for a statue dedicated to the war hero and all the city’s VC winners.

The Noel Chavasse VC Memorial Association, a registered charity, is attempting to raise £105,000 to finish the statue, by Liverpool sculptor Tom Murphy.

There are fears that if the target is not reached soon, the statue, which is currently waiting to be cast and the organisation hoped would be finished in time for Saturday’s anniversary, could deteriorate.

One of its main sponsors fell into financial difficulties earlier in the year, but now the NCVAM are hoping to announce a new major beneficiary and push to reach their final target with a fundraising dinner to be held next Saturday.

About £58,000 has been raised so far.

A second volume of Liverpool Heroes, the stories of local holders of the VC, is available to order with all proceeds going towards the statue appeal from Don Allerston on 0151 4253375.

vickyanderson