New book honours heroes of Great War

Two First World War heroes who were awarded the Victoria Cross have been immortalised in a new book – which took its author five years to bring to print.

Smethwick Heritage Centre manager Chris Sutton has penned the work, For King & Country, about Smethwick Great War officers Sgt Harold Colley and Maj Herbert James. The VC is the highest award for extreme acts of bravery which can be made to British and Commonwealth forces for acts of bravery carried out beyond the call of duty.

Both men were highly decorated, mentioned in dispatches and Maj James was a Military Cross winner, while Sgt Colley earned the Military Medal.

He died, aged 24, from the wounds of battle, which ultimately led to his VC award after heroic efforts at Martinpuich, France, in 1918. He was in the Lancashire Fusiliers 10th battalion, and was born in Birmingham, but lived in Cheshire Road, Smethwick.

While father-of-one Maj James died alone having retreated from the plaudits of those who welcomed him home as a hero.

Mr Sutton said: "They were fascinating men: James was a jobbing soldier with a nurturing side as he worked as a teacher as well.

"Colley was the archetypal figure of a man, an athletic sportsman. Both were extremely brave and performed amazing deeds."

Maj James was also born in Birmingham but grew up in Three Shires Oak Road, Bearwood. He joined up before the war and served in the 4th battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment, rising through the ranks. He survived The Battle of the Somme, was mentioned in dispatches twice and won the Military Cross.

He was just 26 years old when he earned his Victoria Cross.

The books will be available from June 16 at Smethwick Heritage Centre, priced at £5.99 for trust members and £6.99 for non-members.

Mr Sutton will be signing copies at an open day event at Regent Street Baptist Church, in Smethwick, on the same day from 10.30am.