A CEREMONY was held to honour a local soldier, who showed inspiring leadership during the First World War's Battle of the Aisne.

There was a small gathering at the Worcestershire Regimental memorial stone in Gheluvelt Park this morning, 100 years to the day Lieutenant Colonel George William St George Grogan's inspiring leadership led tired, hungry and disheartened men to victory in the May 1918 battle.

The event was organised by the Worcester Branch of The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association.

Association member Lieutenant Colonel Mark Jackson OBE spoke and paid tribute to Lt Col Grogan, of the First Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, who rallied the survivors and repelled further attacks.

Lt Col Grogan commanded a force of around 800 men from various regiments who had been without food or rest for 48 hours. Many attacks were repelled, however the troops were forced to retire to half-dug trenches held by the 2nd Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment.

As enemy pressure continued, Lt Col Grogan bravely rode along the front line to cheer on his troops.

“You can stop them if you want to” he shouted to the men.

Even despite his horse being killed beneath him, Lt Col Grogan continued to inspire his men before reinforcements arrived.

Lt Col Grogan was aged 42 when he received the Victoria Cross (VC). He died on January 3, 1962. Lt Col Grogan's VC is available to view at the Imperial War Museum in London.

Colonel Grogan was also awarded at various times a Companion of the Order of the Bath, a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George, and Distinguished Service Order with Bar and was appointed ADC to the King.

After the speech, For the Fallen poem by Laurence Binyon was read, before the last post and Reveille were played, a two minute silence, and a reading of John Maxwell Edmonds' famous epitaph which includes the line "For their tomorrow, we gave our today."

After the ceremony Lt Col Jackson told the Worcester News these events were of major importance.

"We must keep commemorating these soldiers," he said.

"All of their stories are extraordinary - but Lt Col Grogans' really is."