St Albans First World War hero to be recognised

A St Albans war hero who received the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy is to have his brave actions recognised in stone.

Private Edward Warner was a First World War soldier awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) for his valour, after single-handedly entering a vacated trench after a gas attack to stop the enemy taking possession.

Unfortunately after his efforts on May 1, 1915, he died from the effects of gas poisoning.

The 32-year-old private was posthumously awarded a VC.

This year, special commemorative paving stones will be laid in the home towns of all those in the UK awarded the VC for valour during the conflict, including seven across Herts.

However it is not known as yet when and where the stone commemorating Private Warner will be placed, as that will be decided after discussions between his relatives and St Albans district council.

Cllr Brian Ellis, a member of the Herts Armed Forces Community Covenant Board, would like to hear from anyone with further information about Private Warner, especially where he lived in St Albans and if there are any descendants who are still alive.

Private Warner was born and raised in St Albans and started his working life as a straw hat finisher, before enlisting into the ranks of the Bedfordshire Regiment in late 1903.

He then saw service in India until 1908 before becoming a reservist, when he spent time employed by the Deep Well Boring Works for the St Albans council and the Post Office telephones department.