A FIRST World War hero was honoured this morning with a memorial stone unveiled in his memory.
Villagers gathered outside in Sherfield-on-Loddon for the unveiling of the memorial to Captain John Aiden Liddell VC MC.
Captain Liddell, whose family lived at Sherfield Manor, now Sherfield School, for many years, was killed following an enemy aircraft attack on July 31, 1915.
A special memorial stone in Sherfield-on-Loddon will now act as a permanent reminder of his bravery, and it was unveiled in a special ceremony marking 100 years since his death.
Villagers heard how Captain Liddell joined the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders at the outbreak of the First World War and served in France.
He was with the Royal Flying Corps and served as a pilot flying RE5 aircraft when, on July 31, 1915, whilst flying on a reconnaissance mission, he received very serious injuries from an enemy aircraft attack.
He died of his injuries on August 31, 1915.
Captain Liddell was awarded the Victoria Cross because he managed to safely land his badly damaged aircraft, despite his injuries, and saved the life of his observer/gunner.
The Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson unveiled the memorial stone, before poppy wreaths were laid by various people, including Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane Councillor Anne Court.
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