A hero of the First World War is to be remembered with a special stone-laying ceremony at Herne village memorial.

Harry Wells was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest honour for bravery, for his exploits in trying to capture German positions in 1915.

Now Herne and Broomfield Parish Ccouncil and the local history group chairman have joined together to organise an event to remember the centenary of his death.

Sgt Wells was born on September 19, 1888, at Hole Cottage, Millbank, within the old Herne and Hoath parish boundary.

He left school and became a farm hand working at Ridgeway Farm in Herne. While working there he lost two fingers on his right hand in an accident with a haymaking machine.

At 16, he joined the Royal Sussex Regiment, serving for seven years before joining Kent Police in the Ashford Division in 1911.

He resigned from the force in 1913 and worked as a barman at the Beaver Inn in Ashford until he later rejoined the same Army regiment upon the outbreak of war in 1914.

He rose through the ranks quickly, not entirely surprising given his military experience and the circumstances of a major conflict.

He died during an attack on Le Routoire Farm during the battle of Loos in France on September 25, 1915.

In his VC citation in November 1915, the London Gazette reported how his platoon officer had been killed, and he had continued to lead the attack to within 15 yards of German barbed wire.

It stated: “Nearly half the platoon were killed or wounded, and the remainder were much shaken, but with the utmost coolness and bravery, Sgt Wells rallied them and led them forward.

“Finally, when very few were left, he stood up and urged them forward once more, but while doing this was killed. He gave a magnificent example of courage and determination.”

He was later buried near the scene of his VC action in the Dud Corner Cemetery in Loos, grave reference V.E.2.

His name also appears on the war memorial in Herne, and a special stone will be laid at the base to commemorate the 100th anniversary since he fell.

Kent County Councillor Alan Marsh (Con) has pledged funds to aid the event, which will be held on September 25.

He said: “We will only get to see these events once, so it’s important to mark a huge event in history and pay tribute to him.

“It will help teach youngsters a little bit about what makes us who we are, the great values and courage that makes us who we are and what we are.

“Harry did a terrific job. He was locally-born, so it’s important for us to remember who he was and how he lived his life.”