Unveiling of bronze sculpture of Capt Noel Chavasse VC at Abercromby Square _320
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THE unveiling of a memorial in honour of Liverpool’s Victoria Cross heroes was watched by upwards of 1,000 people at an historic ceremony yesterday.
The bronze sculpture commemorates the life and deeds of Noel Chavasse, the only soldier to receive two VC medals for bravery during World War 1.
It depicts Captain Chavasse and a stretcher bearer from the Liverpool Scottish Battalion rescuing a wounded soldier in no-man’s-land.
Around the base are the names of 15 other Liverpool-born servicemen who received the VC for their bravery in a variety of campaigns, the earliest being the Indian Mutiny in 1857, to the most recent from the time of the Great War.
Relatives of Noel Chavasse and of the 15 men whose names are included on the statue gathered in Abercromby Square for the 30-minute service, watched by hundreds of armed forces personnel, cadets, and members of the public.
Although the ceremony took place under overcast skies, the rain held off long enough for the spectators to remain dry and watch a flypast by a Tiger Moth plane.
It has taken three years of struggle by the Noel Chavasse VC Memorial Association (NCVCMA) to raise enough money for the sculpture, but it is still some way short of its £120,000 target. Donations have come from regimental associations such as the Royal Army Medical Corps, local businesses, and ordinary people.
The statue is situated almost directly opposite to where Noel Chavasse lived, in what was then the Bishop’s House, as his father was Bishop of Liverpool.
The present site for the memorial has been provided by the University of Liverpool, and is only temporary while a permanent one is being sought.
NCVCMA chairman Bill Sergeant said: “This is a proud day in the history of our city.
“It has been a struggle, but today sees the fruit of our labours. This memorial reminds us of the past, but it can also be an inspiration for the future. We can be assured that future generations will be reminded of the contribution our heroes made, and the principles for which they fought.”
The 8ft sculpture was created by Tom Murphy, whose other work includes the Bill Shankly statue at Liverpool FC, and the Dixie Dean statue at Everton FC.
He said: “I’m delighted for all the people who put money into the project.”
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