Unveiling of commemorative paving stone in honour of Private James Henry Finn VC
Bodmin Town Museum

By: Bodmin Town Museum
Added: 09 April 2016

On 9th April 2016, Bodmin became the first town in Cornwall to unveil a Commemorative Paving Stone to  to mark the 100th anniversary of the award of a Victoria Cross. Private James Henry Finn was awarded the Victoria Cross on 9th April 1916 'for most conspicuous bravery'. He received the ribbon of the Victoria Cross in November that year, but sadly he died on 30th March 1917 after being wounded in the leg and then receiving a bullet in his side. This second wound led to his death. His father was presented with the VC at a public investiture in Hyde Park on 2nd June 1917.

Lord Lieutenant Colonel Edward Bolitho OBE unveiled the stone.

Many descendants of the family attended the event.

Present were Mayor and Mayoress elect of Truro, Deputy Mayor of Bodmin, Mayor and Mayoress of Bodmin. Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff. Major Simon Freer, lst Battalion the Royal Welsh, Corps Sgt Major John Stanyard, Salvation Army, Reverend Elaine Munday from St Petroc's Church, Lt Colonel Mervin Fincham, Salvation Army.

The bugler, Rfn Nick Major played the Reveille from the Balcony of the Public Rooms.

Bodmin Town Band played, the Air Training Corps Cadets and the Army cadets were present.

The weather was perfect for the very memorable event.

After the event many people visited the Town Museum to see the WWI display featuring Private James Henry Finn VC.

Many photographs of the event can be seen on the Town Museum's Facebook page.