Gone but never forgotten: The grave of Victoria Cross hero cleaned up and rededicated

The grave of Major General Sir Christopher Teesdale, the first South African to win the Victoria Cross during the Crimean War, has been rededicated in West Sussex.

• All you need to know about the Victoria Cross
• The Victoria Cross versus the US Medal Of Honor – How do they compare?
• Last surviving WW2 VC recipient dies at 105, having received 72 wounds in attack on Catalina

Tim Cooper was at the poignant service and reflected on what he saw.

"I've always found ancient graveyards fascinating. You can't help but look at the names and inscriptions on the headstones and wonder who that person was, what they did and whether they had a happy and productive life.

"Witnessing the restoration of the grave of Major General Sir Christopher Teesdale VC was exciting. Because of the dedicated work of three veterans, his fascinating and brave life has been rediscovered.

"Local people will be able to learn about his role in the Crimean War and indeed his subsequent life as Aide de Camp to Queen Victoria and Equerry to the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII).

"I believe there are probably scores of graves belonging to military heroes the length and breadth of the country that have fallen into disrepair or been covered over by undergrowth.

"I wonder if the success of these veterans in Bognor Regis will inspire others to find their own communities' forgotten heroes."