Sunderland's only WW1 VC soldier honoured

One of Sunderland's greatest military heroes is being honoured this week at centenary commemorative celebrations.

George Maling received the Victoria Cross (VC) medal a hundred years ago to the day (25 September) for his bravery during the First World War. He was the only Sunderland born soldier to receive this honour during the First World War.

He was awarded his medal for the bravery he displayed serving in the Royal Medical Corps, where under heavy shell fire he saved the lives of more than 300 people during the Battle of Loos.

Last month a 'Blue Plaque' was installed at his birthplace, Carlton House in Mowbray Road. Today, a memorial paving stone has been placed at the cenotaph in Burdon Road and there is a weekend of themed events and activities in Mowbray Park and the Museum and Winter Gardens.

George Maling was born in Sunderland in 1888 the son of a general practitioner, and was part of the Maling pottery. Members of family, his grandson David and his wife Jenny, travelled from Cornwall to help Sunderland honour him.