In memory of Private Ernest Sykes VC 27th (Service) Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish Brigade) (4th April 1885-3rd August 1949). Ernest Sykes was born in Mossley and worked as a platelayer for the London & North Western Railway at Micklehurst. He enlisted into the 7th Bn. Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment on 31st August 1914, seeing action at Gallipoli, where he was seriously wounded. Following his recovery, he joined the 27th (S) Bn. Northumberland Fusiliers (Tyneside Irish Brigade), and was posted to France. ON 9th April 1917, attacking near Arras, his battalion was held up in advance of its lines, and suffered heavy casualties from machine gun fire. He went forward under intense fire and recovered four wounded comrades. Returning for a fifth time in mortal danger from sustained gunfire, he remained to bandage those casualties that could not be moved. For his gallant actions he was presented with the Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace on 21st July 1917. He returned to the railway after the conflict, and served in the Home Guard during the Second World War,