Best-Dunkley received the Victoria Cross in World War I for his “most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in command of his Battalion”.

Best-Dunkley was the only person from York to receive the Victoria Cross in World War I. Although he spent much of his life in London, he was born in Mount Vale and his commemorative pavement stone will be placed in view of his birth home.

On 31 July, 1917 in Wieltje, Belgium, Best-Dunkley, a 26-year-old temporary lieutenant-colonel in the 2/5th Battalion, The Lancashire Fusiliers, leapt into action during an attack.

As reported by London Gazette, September 1917, “Lt.-Col. Best-Dunkley dashed forward, rallied his leading waves, and personally led them to the assault of these positions, which, despite heavy losses, were carried. He continued to lead his battalion until all their objectives had been gained.”

Cllr Keith Aspden said, “During 2017, the World War I Centennial, it is right that we remember the fallen heroes of this war. This stone will commemorate Bertram Best-Dunkley’s heroic acts of service and ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.”

Bertram Best-Dunkley died from wounds sustained during battle after leading the battalion and beating off the advancing enemy