Commemoration Service held for Michael Heaviside VC  

Photo courtesy of the Durham Advertiser

On Saturday 6 May 2017, St Giles hosted a commemoration service including the unveiling commemorative stone for Michael Heaviside VC on the centary of his heroic act during the First World War. Heaviside’s awarding of the VC was for an act of valour during the Battle of Arras, on May 6, 1917. As a member of the 15th (Service) Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry, he went into no man’s land, under German sniper and machine gun fire, in daylight, to carry water and food to a badly wounded colleague, nearly demented by thirst after lying unattended for four days.

Photo courtesy of the Heaviside Family

Later that evening as a stretcher bearer, assisted by two comrades, Pte Heaviside helped to rescue the wounded man. The commemorative stone, supplied by the Government, had pride of place near the altar at the front of the church during the service and will be laid permanently by the WW1 war memorial at St Giles.

During the service the stone was unveiled and dedicated by the then Lord Lieutenant, of Durham Sue Snowdon, along with representatives from Heaviside’s family, the DLI and the Durham Miners’ Association. Thank you to everyone that made the service such a poignant occasion in the life of our church. The memorial stone will remain as a reminder of the selfless act given by Michael Heaviside in the service of his country.

Photo courtesy of BBC Look North Tyne & Wear