A STRETFORD Victoria Cross holder was honoured this week - exactly 100 years after his incredible bravery earned him the country's highest military honour.

Charles Harry Coverdale - known as Harry - gained the Victoria Cross during the First World War for his outstanding bravery and leadership at Poelcapelle, Belgium, during the First World War.

A blue plaque recognising his achievements was unveiled by his family at the Limelight building on Shrewsbury Street at October 4. Then a special ceremony was held to place a paving stone commemorating him in the Memorial Gardens at Trafford Town Hall.

Harry, who was 29 and a sergeant in the 11th Battalion, the Manchester Regiment. led his platoon to capture an enemy stronghold on October 4, 1917.

He killed a German officer and captured two soldiers. He then rushed two machine gun posts, killing or wounding the gun teams.

Later, he led his men in a bid to capture another position, but had to fall back because they fell under the fire of their own artillery.

Several hours later he again went out with his men top try to capture this position. However, the Germans were launching a counter attack. Keeping a cool head, Harry withdrew his men before he was the last one to withdraw.

Harry's courage had already ben recognised earlier that year when he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery.

Harry wrote to his widowed mother, Emily, in 1917 about his exploits. He wrote: "I have won another honour for attacking a strong enemy position and bringing in two guns.

"I have been recommended for the VC but I thinks it is too good to be true."

Historian George Cogswell has recorded details of Harry's military career and life in a booklet.

During the war Harry also saw action at Gallipoli and the infamous Battle of the Somme.

He was promoted to second lieutenant in October 1918.

In 1919, Stretford Council presented him with the gift of a silver rose bowl.

Harry grew up at Stretford Road, Stretford and was educated at Bangor Street Municipal School, Hulme, where he was noted for his sporting ability.

A keen cricketer and footballer, he kept wicket and played in goal for teams in Old Trafford.

On leaving school he joined an engineering firm, Galloways Boiler Works at Knott Mill, Manchester, as an engineer's fitter.

When war broke out, he was single and living with his family at Skerton Road, Old Trafford.

In answer to Kitchener's call to arms, he volunteered on September 7, 1914 and was put in the Manchester Regiment.

After the war, he left the Army on February 5, 1919 and he returned to his old job at Galloway's Boilers.

The firm recognised his achievements by naming a railway engine after him.

He married Clara Travis in late 1919.

In the early 1930s, Harry moved to Huddersfield, where he was employed as the chief engineer of four mills.

Married with two sons, he remained in Yorkshire for the rest of his life.

He died suddenly at his home in Huddersfield on November 20, 1955 aged 67. He was buried with full military honours at Edgerton Cemetery, Huddersfield.

Cllr Laura Evans, Trafford Council's executive member for communities and partnerships, said: “It is only fitting that we honour this amazing soldier from our borough with a lasting tribute. We recognise the important contribution he made, and it is a privilege to be part of this occasion to mark his bravery."

Six members of the armed forces from what is now Trafford have been awarded the Victoria Cross.

The other five are George Onions, Edward Bradbury, James Marshall (all first World War), Edward Charlton (Second World War) and Bill Speakman (Korean War).