Two unique and special floral tributes to Preston’s war heroes are being inspected by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, as part of his official visit to Avenham & Miller Parks in Preston on Tuesday 23rd June 2009.

Launched during national Armed Forces Week, the floral displays portray important military connections with the city of Preston namely two Victoria Cross holders from World War I, Private James Towers and Private William Young; and also the battle of Rorke’s Drift made famous by the film 1964 Zulu.

The daughter and grand daughters of Preston Victoria Cross holders Private Towers and Private Young, will be attending the unveiling and will be presented to His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester.

The special flower displays have been designed by award winning Alan Rampling, Preston City Council’s Head Nursery Gardner who has worked for the council for over 46 years. Alan said:

“I am really touched to be meeting the family of Preston’s Victoria Cross winners, Private James Towers and Private William Young. These two people really are heroes. They put their own lives in danger to save others and rightly deserve the Victoria Cross and their place in history.

“Hopefully through the flower display in the park, people will get to know more about their stories and remember the important contribution our armed forces make to the country.

“Also, not many people know that there is a Preston connection to the battle of Rorke’s Drift made famous by the film Zulu. Chaplain George Smith was in the battle in 1879 helping with the supply of ammunition. In 1899 he settled in Preston and spent many years living at the Sumners Hotel in the city. He is buried in Preston cemetery. Even though Chaplain Smith didn’t win a Victoria Cross he served his country with honour and hopefully the flower display will reflect that.”

Background information

1. Alan Rampling has worked for Preston City Council since 1963. Alan has won many awards for his floral displays including four Royal Horticultural Society Gold Medals and Best in Show at the prestigious Tatton Flower Show.

2. Alan has spent nine months researching the history and designing the flower beds. All the flowers required for the displays have been grown in the council’s nursery.

3. Private William Young

Born In Glasgow on January 1st 1876. On the outbreak of 1st World War he was working at Preston Gas Works. Young was mustered into the 8th battalion, East Lancashire Regiment. He was serving in France on 22nd December 1915 when he dashed into no mans land to rescue his injured colleague, despite being hit by shrapnel himself. He suffered a shattered jaw and took a bullet in the chest but still managed to carry his strickened sergeant back to British lines.

The father of nine was given a heroes welcome when he returned to his home in Heysham Street, Preston. He died a few months later in hospital and was given a full military funeral. He was buried in Preston Cemetery in 1916. His Victoria Cross can be seen in the Museum of Lancashire, Preston.

4. Private James Towers

Born in Broughton, Preston in 1897. Enlisted in August 1916 into the 5th Dragoon Guards but transferred to the 2nd battalion, The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).

On the 6th October 1918 at Mericourt, France the 21 year old private volunteered to deliver an important message, being aware of the fate of the runners who had already attempted the task. In spite of heavy fire he delivered the message. His determination and disregard of danger was an inspiring example.

James Towers was invested with his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on 8th May 1919. He died on 24th January 1977 at Preston Royal Infirmary.

5. Chaplain George Smith

Born 8th January 1845 in Norfolk. He became Acting Chaplain for Armed Services in 1878 – 1879.

For his services at Rorkes Drift in 1879 he received the Zululand medal and clasp for gallantry. During the years 1899 – 1903 he became chaplain at Fulwood Barracks, Preston.

Retiring in 1905, he lived at the Sumners Hotel, Fulwood until his death on 27th November 1918 aged 73. He was buried in Preston Cemetery.

Date Updated: 17/06/09