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Commemorative paving stones in honour of Wales’ 16 World War One Victoria Cross winners will be laid in their hometowns across Wales to mark the centenary of the conflict, it was announced today.

Help will also be provided for local communities to restore and refurbish war memorials.

Next year’s National Eisteddfod in Llanelli will also feature opportunities for people from across the country to pay their respects to those who fought and died.

Today the Heritage Lottery Fund is announcing the first grants under its new £6m “First World War – Then and Now” small grants programme.

It has awarded a £5,500 grant to the “Brecon Remembers” project which will enable people research the stories behind the 119 names on local memorials.

The grant was awarded to the family history branch of the Brecon University of the Third Age.

Professor Sir Deian Hopkin, president of the National Library of Wales and expert advisor to the Welsh Government on commemorative activities, said: “As we draw closer to the conflict’s centenary it is vital that those who lost their lives, suffered great injury or generally played their part over the four years of the First World War are commemorated so that future generations can understand the enormous significance of this period in our history.

“It is therefore encouraging, a year ahead of the centenary, to see groups and communities already looking at the ways they can commemorate the war locally and contribute to the legacy of understanding which we hope the programme of projects and activities will create. Hopefully many more will do the same in the years ahead.”

The Brecon Remembers project will seek to create a short history of each person named on the town’s memorials, including details of their birth, schooling, occupation and their role and involvement in the war.

Local links to the armed forces remain strong. The Infantry Battle School (IBS) is based in Brecon .

Jennifer Stewart, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Wales, said: “We are thrilled that this project, in an area that still remains so connected with the armed forces, has been successful in its application bid.”

Wales Office minister Baroness Randerson, formerly the Lib Dem AM for Cardiff Central, said: “The First World War irrevocably changed the United Kingdom, and is a significant part of our history. It is important that we honour those that made the ultimate sacrifice to fight for king and country in a way that is fitting.

“The Victoria Cross is the highest military honour given for valour ‘in the face of the enemy’ during the conflict and so I am pleased that the plans announced today mean that people from across the UK can support and contribute to the special commemorative paving stones together.

“In Wales one of our most important cultural events, the Eisteddfod, will play a critical role in our national remembrance of the centenary of this most tragic war.”

UK Communities Secretary Eric Pickles unveiled the UK-wide competition to design the paving stones which will be presented to councils in the areas where the Victoria Cross recipients were born.

The stones are intended to provide “an enduring legacy” for “local heroes”.

A new website will be launched to help make sure people across the country can get funding and support to ensure all World War I memorials are in good condition for November 2018.

Bridgend-educated Culture Secretary Maria Miller said: “The First World War had a fundamental effect on the course of our history. It also saw nearly a million British military and civilian deaths, heroes from communities across the Commonwealth...

“But as time passes, the living links that connect that terrible time and the present day have dwindled. So it is really important that we mark the centenary which, saw some of the darkest days in our history, and remind everyone of the sacrifice that was made – and how it has affected all our lives today.”

Wales' World War One Victoria Cross winners:

In total, 628 Victoria Crosses were awarded in the First World War, 16 of them to Welshmen.

Among them was Frederick Barter, who was born in Cardiff. He was recognised for his bravery during the battle of Festubert in May 1915 when along with eight volunteers he captured three German officers and 102 soldiers and won 500 yards of enemy trenches. He also found and cut 11 mine leads. He also won a Military Cross.

At the age of 27, Pontypridd-born Sergeant Robert Bye was awarded a VC in 1917 following his leadership and heroism in the third Battle of Ypres.

William Fuller, from Newbridge, Gwent, was the first Welshman to be awarded the VC during the war after he risked his life under heavy gunfire to carry his commanding officer to safety during the battle of Aisne.

Sgt Samuel Pearse and Capt Richard Wain, both from Penarth, were awarded Britain’s highest gallantry medal for their actions in the conflicts which claimed their lives. Capt Wain was killed in action at the Battle of Cambrai, in 1917, and Sgt Pearse died in action north of Emtsa, Russia, in 1919.

Company Sergeant Major John Henry Williams, from Nantyglo, Monmouthshire, was the most decorated Welsh non-commissioned officer of all time. He received the Distinguished Conduct Medal at Mametz Wood in 1916. Following that he was handed the Military Medal at Pilkem Ridge in 1917, the Bar to Military Medal at Armentieres during the same year and the Victoria Cross at Villers Outrex in 1918.

He earned the Victoria Cross in 1918 for single-handedly capturing 15 of the enemy while under heavy fire during at attack on Villers, Outreaux, and bayonetting five of them as they turned on him.

William Williams, from Amlwch, Anglesey, was awarded the VC for using his initiative to stop a German U-boat spotting heavy armaments aboard the merchant ship HMS Pargust in 1917, enabling the British ship to get close and sink the enemy submarine.

Unusually, the Admiralty was unable to decide which members of HMS Pargust’s crew should be awarded the VC, because all were deemed to have acted with equal valour. For the first time, under the conditions of the Royal Warrant for the VC’s award, it was decided that a ballot should be held by the crew for one officer and one enlisted man – Williams – to receive the award.

Also awarded the Victoria Cross were Frederick Birks, from Buckley, Flintshire; James Davies from Ogmore, in the Vale of Glamorgan; Lewis Evans and Hubert Lewis, both from Pembrokeshire; Lionel Rees from Caernarfon, Gwynedd; John Russell, from Plas Tanalltran, Anglesey, Ivor Rees from Felinfoel, Carmarthenshire; William Waring, from Welshpool, Powys; and Henry Weale, from Shotton, Clwyd.