TWO heroes who fought for Britain during the First World War are set to be commemorated later this year.

The two men, who are both buried in Upton Upon Severn, are set to have their headstones transformed with crosses and plaques as the town marks the centenary year of the First World War.

Speaking at a town council meeting, Mayor Peter Webb, said: “This will be a very fitting way to mark their contributions to the country they served.

“It’s a wonderful gesture and one that is fully deserved.”

John Wendon Cridge, from Devon, served in East Africa in The Great War but died in Upton in 1919 after contracting an illness while serving, aged 25.

A cross and plaque will lay next to his for his sister, Dorothy Cridge, who died in 1915, and is also buried in Upton cemetery.

Philip Gray, originally from Surrey, served in World War One too and moved to Upton after being medically discharged where he worked as a servant.

He died in 1918 aged 38.

This motion was passed at a town council meeting last month.

Upton undertakers, Malcolm Priestland, will be providing the crosses and plaques free of charge.

The move for the plaques and crosses came from Jackie Surtees, who wrote to Upton Town Council for them to consider the move, while the research into the two former soldiers was carried out by former Mayor of Upton Simon Wilkinson and Mrs Surtees.

Do you have any memories to share of relatives who served in the First World War?

Call our Upton reporter Chris Plant on 01905 742263.