A FIRST World War hero who was awarded the highest military medal for bravery 100 years ago was honoured in his home village today.

A memorial paving stone commemorating Victoria Cross holder, Second Lieutenant John Scott Youll, was unveiled during a moving ceremony in the shadow of a pit wheel at the Thornley Village Centre, in east Durham.

Youll, known as Jack, was born in Thornley on June 6 1897 and from the age of 15 worked as an electrician until he joined the army. He worked his way up the ranks to become a temporary second lieutenant for the Northumberland Fusiliers.

While commanding a patrol on June 15, 1918, he came under fire near Asiago, Italy.

He was able to send his men to safety and remained to observe the situation. When he realised was unable to rejoin his company, he joined a neighbouring unit and was able to maintain control until faced with machine gun fire.

Youll rushed the gunner, captured the gun and turned it on the enemy. He led several men in three counter-attacks. According to The London Gazette, Youll was awarded the Victoria Cross for “his complete disregard of personal safety and very gallant leading set a magnificent example to all”.

He was later awarded the Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace and received a hero’s welcome at the Hippodrome Theatre on his return home to Thornley.

Accepting gifts of a gold watch and chain and silver cigarette case paid for by local subscription, he said: “There are two kinds of honour, the seen and the unseen. I hope the people of Thornley give the rest of the boys the same recognition on their return.”

After returning to his unit, Youll was tragically killed in action at the battle of Vittorio Veneto, Italy, on October 27 1918 - just weeks before the Armistice.

Today's service was led by The Reverend Jon Whalley, chaplain to 5th Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, while the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, Alasdair MacConachie, unveiled the stone.

Wreaths were laid by councillors, Sedgefield MP Phil Wilson and representatives of the armed forces, along with pupils of Thornley Primary School, St Godric’s Primary School and Wellfield Community School.

A fusilier cadet detachment from Castle View Enterprise Academy in Sunderland formed part of a guard of honour.

The event was organised by the East Durham Area Action Partnership (AAP) and Thornley Parish Council. The commemorative paving stone forms part of efforts to see all of County Durham’s First World War Victoria Cross heroes commemorated.

John Murphy, East Durham AAP co-ordinator, said: “Jack’s brave actions should never be forgotten and this memorial will ensure his name and incredible actions will live on for future generations.

“It has been fascinating to learn more about Jack’s life and it is only right that we celebrate his achievements which also saw him awarded the Italian Silver Medal for Military Valour.”

Thornley Parish Council chairman Councillor Joyce Unsworth said: “The village already has a memorial for Youll. This is the Government stone that we are laying.

“It lies in the shadow of the pit wheel because John Scott Youll left the pit to go to war. Like many other residents he didn’t come back home.”

Among those attending was Margaret |Holcroft, 75, whose grandmother Margaret Youll was a cousin of the war hero.

She said: “I only learned about him about him 20 years ago when a cousin started researching our family tree. Today has been brilliant.”