A SOLDIER who was awarded the Victoria Cross for “most conspicuous bravery” during the First World War has been honoured in a special ceremony.

Second Lieutenant (Acting Captain) Arthur Henderson, who was born in Paisley, earned the VC for his efforts in leading his company though the enemy front line, despite almost immediately being wounded, to their final objective, after which he sadly lost his life.

A commemorative stone was unveiled in the grounds of Renfrewshire House, in Cotton Street, Paisley, as part of a national campaign to honour the bravery of VC recipients and provide a lasting legacy of local heroes within their communities.

A short service was led by Renfrewshire Provost Anne Hall, who was joined by Officer Commanding Balaklava Company Major CM Wood, of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and Colonel DG Ross OBE, chairman of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Association.

A ceremonial wreath was also laid to mark the unveiling.

Provost Hall said: “Arthur Henderson gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country and all of Renfrewshire should be proud of his roots in the area.

“He battled through the most difficult of adversity to ensure the safety of his fellow soldiers and fully deserves the recognition which has been bestowed upon on him.

“The commemorative stone will allow residents in the area to gain a greater understanding of how Paisley was a part of the First World War and ensure soldiers like Arthur are always remembered.”

Acting Captain Henderson was born in 1893 and, before the war, was a well-known cricketer, donning his whites for Ferguslie Cricket Club, where his VC medal ribbons and portrait hung in the clubhouse before being moved to Stirling Castle in the late 1980s.

He enlisted with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and his heroic deed of bravery took place on April 23, 1917, near Fontaine-les-Croisilles, in France.

He was buried in the Cojeul British Cemetery, at Saint-Martin-sur-Cojeul, and is also honoured at Paisley Abbey.