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The Victoria Cross gravestone of a Folkestone solider has been restored and reopened in a special service.
Private Patrick McHale VC’s gravestone, which stands in Shorncliffe Military Cemetery, had been damaged by age and Second World War bombs.
Pte McHale served with the 5th Foot Nothumberland Fusiliers in India in the 19th century.
He was awarded the Victoria Cross for two acts of conspicuous bravery while fighting in Lucknow in 1857.
On both occasions, he was the first man at the capture of enemy guns, charging in with such aggression that he reportedly scared many enemy soldiers away.
His citation reads: “On every occasion of attack, Private McHale has been the first to meet the foe, amongst whom he caused such consternation by the boldness of his rush, as to leave little work for those who followed to his support.
“By his habitual coolness and daring and sustained bravery in action, his name has become a household word for gallantry among his comrades.”
Pte McHale died in Shorncliffe and was interned in the military cemetery in 1866.
His Victoria Cross is now on display in the Fusilier Museum of Northumberland at Alnwick Castle.
The project to restore his gravestone, was funded by the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, the Northumberland & North East Fusilier Association and the Victoria Cross & George Cross Association.
Colonel (Retd) James Denny, Regimental Secretary for The Fusiliers said: “It’s a great honour to be able to contribute towards the restoration of Private McHale’s headstone and to be part of today’s re-dedication.
“Private McHale was a formidable Fusilier who fought with bravery and determination throughout his career in the regiment.
“This tribute is the very least we can do to honour his service and create a lasting memorial for many years to come.”
Pte McHale's grave was one of six discovered in Folkestone in 2003 belonging to those honoured with the Victoria Cross.
Former resident Bert Sheppard had been researching Victoria Cross recipients and their graves to ensure that any not in the care of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission were kept in good order.
The six soldiers were buried at Shorncliffe military cemetery and at Cheriton Road in Folkestone.
The veterans are Sgt Joseph Charles Brennan, 39, of the Royal Artillery, Pte John Doogan of The King's 1st Dragoon Guards, 27, Pte Patrick McHale of the 1st BN 5th regiment (later known as the Northumberland Fusiliers) 31, Commander John Edmund Commerell, a commander in the Royal Navy, 26, Lt William Alexander Kerr of the 24th Bombay Native Infantry, 25 and Lt Mark Walker of the 30th Regiment, later called the East Lancashire Regiment, who was 26.
