First World War Victoria Cross Commemoration – Sgt. Arthur Knight VC
On Sunday 2nd September 2018 Haywards Heath Town Council in partnership with Mid Sussex District Council have the privilege to honour the bravery of a local resident during the First World War.
The date marks 100 years since the awarding of a Victoria Cross, to Sergeant Arthur Knight, a soldier born in Haywards Heath, who showed conspicuous bravery, initiative, and devotion to duty during the Second Battle of Arras in 1918.
We are holding a commemorative Service and the unveiling of a commemorative stone which will take place at The Haywards Heath War Memorial, Muster Green at 2.00pm, which will be hosted by Haywards Heath Town Mayor Cllr James Knight and Mid Sussex District Council Chairman Cllr Bruce Forbes.
Everyone is welcome to attend the service that is being supported by the Haywards Heath Royal British Legion and led by Reverend Ray Smith from St Wilfrids Church. The Service will be attended by local community organisations, local dignitaries and we are delighted to announce Former RSM, presently Regimental Major, CWO Kent Griffiths and Former CO, and presently the Regimental Secretary, LCol (retired) F. Lee Villiger from The Calgary Highlanders (10th Canadians), in which regiment he served, are coming over to join us.
The stone is part of a nationwide initiative led by the Ministry for Housing, Community and Local Government to coincide with the nationwide First World War centenary commemoration.