Memorial plaque honouring Stourbridge-born war hero unveiled in Mary Stevens Park

Second Lieutenant Edward Felix Baxter, who received the Victoria Cross for his bravery on the battlefield, was remembered in a poignant ceremony at the cenotaph in the Norton park yesterday (Monday April 18) attended by the Mayor of Dudley, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Richard Boot OBE DL, High Sheriff Dr Keith Bradshaw DL and Stourbridge dignitaries.

Distant relatives of the courageous solider also attended the service, conducted by Reverend Stephen Agnew, which included the unveiling of a new commemorative stone plaque - installed as part of national efforts to mark the 100th anniversary of the Great War and recognise those who were awarded the VC, Britain's highest and most prestigious award for gallantry.

Retired architect Christopher Firmstone, from Wordsley, who discovered a family link to Baxter, said of the ceremony: "I was actually quite moved and it reminded one of the sacrifices all those young men made in the First World War to help preserve the freedoms we all enjoy now."

Dr Sue Clegg, from Kent, who also discovered a connection to Baxter after her godmother died in 2011, said she was "very honoured" to attend the ceremony, adding: "I feel quite humbled."

The unveiling of the plaque, next to the war memorial, was organised to coincide with the 100th anniversary of Baxter's lifesaving heroics.

Born in Oldswinford in 1885 in a house which is now the Crabmill pub, Baxter moved to Liverpool after attending boarding school at Christ’s Hospital, London.

A keen motorcycle racer who had competed in the 1910 Isle of Mann TT, he was a headteacher when war broke out and he signed up immediately.

After joining the Royal Engineers he moved to the Mersey Defence Corps before being posted as Second Lieutenant in 1/8th King’s (Liverpool) Regiment.

In January 1916 the battalion was deployed to France as part of the 55th (West Lancashire) Division, stationed near Arras, and on April 18 a major trench raid was carried out near Blairville with Baxter as bombing officer.

While cutting wire close to enemy lines he held a bomb with the pin withdrawn ready to throw and on one occasion it slipped and fell but he managed to pick it up, unscrew the base plug and take out the detonator, which he smothered in the ground - preventing the alarm being raised and saving many casualties.

Later, the 30-year-old led the storming party and was the first man into the trench, shooting the sentry with his revolver.

He also helped to bomb dugouts and climbed out of the trench to help the last man over the parapet.

But he was not seen again, although search parties went out to look for him.

The official citation for his Victoria Cross states: "There seems no doubt that he lost his life in his great devotion to duty.”

Second Lieutenant Baxter was officially confirmed dead in July 1916. He left a young daughter and a wife Leonora who received the Victoria Cross on his behalf in November 1916.

He was buried in Fillievres British Cemetery, France, and his medals were acquired by the Imperial War Museum, where they are displayed today.

Councillor Steve Waltho, Mayor of Dudley, said: “We are so privileged to honour Second Lieutenant Baxter as our Victoria Cross hero.

“His courage and sacrifice is something we can all be proud of and laying this memorial stone means that his life and bravery will be remembered for years to come.”

Stourbridge military historian Alastair Rose said: "I thought the ceremony was a very fitting tribute to one of Stourbridge's bravest sons and a pleasure to see so many people there to honour him after much planning and organisation."

Second Lieutenant Baxter’s memorial is the first of two to be installed in Stourbridge. Lye-born Lance Corporal Thomas Bryan is also due to be commemorated next year.