New streets to be named after fallen soldiers

Streets in Lichfield are being named after fallen soldiers who gave their lives in the First and Second World War.

The six soldiers from the former Staffordshire Regiment will have their names immortalised on roads in the new Saxon Gate development.

One road is also named after the Regiment's mascot, a Staffordshire bull terrier called Watchman.

All six soldiers were recipients of the Victoria Cross.

The South Staffordshire Regiment soldiers and the mascot who are commemorated at the development are:

• Private Thomas Barratt VC

• Major Robert Henry Cain VC

• Captain Arthur Forbes Gordon Kilby VC MC

• Sergeant John Thomas VC

• Captain John Franks Vallentin

• Private Samuel Wassall VC Zulu

• Watchman

The streets will be called Barratt Court, Cain Close, Kilby Avenue, Thomas Lane, Vallentin Way, Wassall Lane and Watchman Close,

Andrew McDermott, regional managing director at Orbit housing developers, said: “As a supporter of the Armed Forces Covenant, Orbit is privileged to pay its respects to these six Victoria Cross recipients at Saxon Gate.

Orbit invited the families of those soldiers named at Saxon Gate, along with mascot Watchman, trustees of the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, the Mercian Regiment and representatives from Lichfield District Council, to a special official opening ceremony,