THE bravery of an Accrington Pals officer who received the Victoria Cross for leading two counter attacks despite a severe head wound will be commemorated next week.

A paving stone will be laid to remember Second Lieutenant Basil Arthur Horsfall, 100 years to the day after the First World War action for which he received the UK’s highest military award for bravery.

It will be installed at the Church Street War Memorial in Accrington at 11am on Tuesday with his family in attendance.

The original VC awarded to 2nd Lt Horsfall will be on display at Accrington Town Hall.

Born in 1887, he was attached to the 11th (Service) Battalion, The East Lancashire Regiment (the Accrington Pals) in October 1917 after having been wounded in action.

The citation read: “2nd Lt. Horsfall was in command of the centre platoon during an attack on our positions.

“When the enemy first attacked, his three forward sections were driven back and he was wounded in the head.

“Nevertheless, he immediately organised the remainder of his men and made a counter-attack, which recovered his original positions.

“On hearing that out of the remaining three officers of his company two were killed and one wounded, he refused to go to the dressing room although his wound was severe.

“Later his platoon had to be withdrawn to escape very heavy shell fire, but immediately the shelling lifted he made a second counter-attack and again recovered his positions.

“His conduct was a splendid example to his men, and he showed throughout the utmost disregard of danger.

“This very gallant officer was killed when retiring to the positions in rear.”

Paul Ashton, his great nephew, said: “As soon as I heard about this, I knew it was something which would be important for my family to attend.

“My grandfather was very close to Basil and was devastated to hear of his death on his own return from the front."

“He was at the ceremony when his father received the Victoria Cross on behalf of Basil from King George V, and would be pleased to know that his family were present when the nation remembered his brother’s sacrifice one hundred years later.”

The laying of paving stones to honour VC recipients is part of the national First World War centenary commemorations.