THE grandson of an Albert Medal winner from East Lancashire will join civilians parading past the Cenotaph in London on Sunday.

Private James Dunn was honoured for rescuing a number of troops from beneath burning ammunition trucks at a railhead in France in June 1918.

His proud grandson Eric Nolan, from Wilpshire, has been selected to take part in the ceremony in the capital.

Mr Nolan said: “I shall be most proud to be part of this sombre and special occasion, not least because my maternal grandfather, James Dunn, of the Coldstream Guards, was involved in the official unveiling of the Cenotaph 98 years ago.”

He has recalled how James, who was born in Clitheroe, is said to have carried his regiment’s colours on the day.

King George V presented James with his medal, which was subsequently renamed the George Cross, in the ballroom at Buckingham Palace.

After the conflict, according to the family, the soldier fell on hard times and had to pawn his medal.

But the Coldstream Guards, hearing about his plight, acquired the honour and still hold it in their own collection.

The official citation for Private Dunn noted: “Several men are wounded and some lay underneath the burning trucks.

“Private James Dunn at once rushes forward and carries two of the wounded men to a shelter trench close by where he renders first aid.

“He then returns to the assistance of other wounded men when a second explosion takes place.

“Notwithstanding this and also the very grave danger of further explosions he continues to assist the wounded and help to rescue those who are lying under the burning trucks.”

The trooper died in 1943, aged 54. Eric has previously laid a wreath at the Thiepval Memorial in France.