A HERO of the First World War is to be remembered at special service - exactly 100 years after his courage in battle won him the Victoria Cross.

Lt-Col Neville Bowes Elliott-Cooper is the only VC winner to have a memorial in Ripon Cathedral, where the service will be held on November 30.

He was the great-grandson of Capt J Elliott of Elliott House, now Holmefield House, Harrogate Road, Ripon, who circumnavigated the globe with Captain Cook.

Born in 1889 , he joined the Royal Fusiliers on the outbreak of war, rising through the ranks through his leadership, daring and ability.

He had already been awarded the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross, when, while commanding the 8th Battalion, he won his VC for his actions during the Battle of Cambrai.

Hearing that the enemy had broken through the outpost line, he rushed out of his dug-out and dashed forward, unarmed, making straight for the advancing enemy. Under his direction, British troops forced them back 600 yards.

Badly injured in the hip and still 40 yards in front of his men, he signalled to them to withdraw, as they were severely outnumbered and suffering heavy casualties, even though this meant he would be captured. Their action, though, enabled reserves to be sent forward and hold the line.

He died of his wounds as a prisoner of war, aged 29, two-and-a-half months later.

During the service his VC, normally in the Royal Fusiliers’ Museum in the Tower of London, will be placed on the altar.

The Dean of Ripon, the Very Reverend John Dobson, said: “This service, is of great significance as it recognises the heroism of an outstanding soldier. It is also an opportunity for us to reflect on the contribution of the other 249 service personnel and choristers who died for their country in the First World War and whose names are recorded on memorials in the cathedral."