AN APPEAL for information about County Durham’s First World War heroes has been launched.

The DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery is putting together an exhibition about the 10 men who were born in the county or served with the Durham Light Infantry and received the Victoria Cross for their actions during the conflict.

All 10 men performed extraordinary acts of courage, risking, and in many cases losing, their own lives in the process.

Members of the public who have connections to the men or who own memorabilia relating to them are urged to contact the museum.

It is hoped that their help can ensure the exhibition offers as full a picture as possible of the men and their lives.

Gillian Kirkbride, DLI Museum and Durham Art Gallery manager and curator, said: “We have already made contact with the families of some of the men but we are keen to hear from as many more as possible.

“Whether you’re related to a VC recipient or have other links, we would really like to share your stories and learn more about any artefacts or memorabilia you may have that relates to any of the men.

“This is the first time we have attempted to tell the stories of all 10 men together so we want to do everything we can to give as full and accurate a picture as possible.”

The 10 Victoria Cross recipients and the dates of the action for which they received the VC are:

Pte Thomas Kenny, DLI, 4 November, 1915; Lt Col Roland Bradford, DLI, October 1, 1916; Pte Michael Heaviside, DLI, May 6, 1917; Lt Cdr George Bradford, Royal Navy, April 22-23, 1918; Lt George McKean, Canadian Infantry, April 27-28, 1918; 2nd Lt John Youll, Northumberland Fusiliers, June 15, 1918; Sgt William McNally, Yorkshire Regiment, October 27-29, 1918; 2nd Lt Frederick Youens, DLI, July 7, 1917; 2nd Lt (Acting Capt) Arthur Moore Lascelles, DLI, December 3, 1917 and Pte Thomas Young, DLI, March 25-31, 1918.

Anyone with information should contact 03000 266 590 or email dli@durham.gov.uk