War hero died as he thanked the troops

He stood for half a second and then collapsed, dead within a few moments.

And so, the victim of a German sniper hiding in a cornfield, a Shropshire Victoria Cross hero died.

His story will be told as part of a new book being put together by historians Richard Pursehouse of Cannock and Ben Cunliffe of Stafford which shines the spotlight on the VC heroes of the Midlands.

Major Billy Congreve was 25 when he was killed on July 20, 1916. His family had lived at West Felton, near Oswestry, since his early childhood – they owned The Grange.

Congreve had been serving in the Rifle Brigade and his VC was awarded "For most conspicuous bravery during a period of 14 days preceding his death in action."

It was a case of like father, like son, for his father had won the VC during the Boer War.

"He with his father Sir Walter Congreve are only one of three father and son pairings who have ever received the Victoria Cross," said Richard.

"While in the trenches he seems to have sought out danger, and the frequent letters that passed between him and his father show an incredibly deep affection, along with constant paternal admonishments to avoid danger, which were largely ignored."

Indeed, the men in the trenches nicknamed him "Daredevil Dick."

Billy died without knowing his wife Pamela – whom he had married on June 1, 1916 – was pregnant.

"Their daughter Mary was born in 1917 and Billy’s best man Captain The Honourable William Fraser of the Gordon Highlanders vowed to help bring up the child, and married Pamela after the war.

"The two plaques in St John the Baptist Church in Stowe-by-Chartley, Staffordshire for the two recipients of the Victoria Cross of the Congreve family sit either side of the arched window inside.

"The names of both are recorded in the Roll of Honour book in St Michael's Church, West Felton in Shropshire, the village having been his childhood home when his father lived at West Felton Grange. His name is also on the war memorial in the village."