As the sun shone weakly through autumn mist, family, military and civic dignitaries met on a village green to add two names to its war memorial .

Robert Edward Ryder and Cecil John Kinross, both recipients of the Victoria Cross in the First World War and sons of Harefield , have been honoured with engraved plaques that were unveiled at the village war memorial on The Green on Tuesday, November 4, in time for Remembrance Sunday ceremonies this weekend.

Family members of both men attended the ceremony. Also there was Lance Sergeant Johnson Beharry VC, who, on March 18, 2005, was himself awarded the Victoria Cross for twice saving members of his unit in Iraq.

Hillingdon Council arranged the installations. Leader, Councillor Ray Puddifoot, said: “It is important to recognise Hillingdon’s heritage and those who have been part of our community.

“The Victoria Cross was awarded 628 times ​for action in the First World War (1914–1918) and it ​is therefore remarkable that two of the recipients were born in the same village of Harefield.

“Their acts of bravery are something Hillingdon should be very ​proud of.”

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