Today we remember all the men and women who have given their lives for their country.
In honour of our heroes, we have looked at the people who were born, lived or had links in and around Merseyside and were awarded the prestigious Victoria Cross.
The Victoria Cross was instituted by Royal Warrant on 29 January 1856 for award to both officers and non-commissioned ranks of the Royal Navy and the Army who, in the presence of the enemy "shall have performed some signal act of valour".
READ MORE: List of Remembrance Sunday services taking place across Merseyside
It remains Britain's premier award for gallantry in the face of the enemy and is worn before all other orders, decorations and medals.
Website Find My Past has given the ECHO access to the in-depth details of Merseyside's heroes and their stories of incredible acts of bravery in the field of battle.
Men who tended to wounded soldiers in full view of the enemy, men who took down snipers to allow civilians to escape to freedom and men who provided cover fire to their fellow soldiers.
The courageous acts cost some of the men their lives and while others were fortunate enough to bring home their medals, they also carried the scars of war.
Find My Past's website have now opened up their military records until Monday, November 15 for free.
A spokesperson added: "If anyone wants to search the Victoria Cross records themselves, they form part of our wider Britain, Campaign, Gallantry & Long Service Medals & Awards collection which contains over 6.2 million records covering a wide array of awards across the British Army, Royal Marines, Royal Navy, and Merchant Navy.
"As well as covering both world wars it also contains medal records from the Peninsular War, Indian Mutiny, Waterloo, and many more conflicts."
You can find the link here and information on their free to access military records here.
Here are the men from Merseyside who were awarded the Victoria Cross during WWI.
*All quotes from the London Gazette who documented the reasons for the Victoria Cross when they were awarded.
Harold Ackroyd - born in Southport in 1877, Royal Medical Corps - died August 11, 1917 in Belgium
"For most conspicuous bravery. During recent operations Capt. Ackroyd displayed the greatest gallantry and devotion to duty. Utterly regardless of danger, he worked continuously for many hours up and down and in front of the line tending the wounded and saving the lives of officers and men.
"In so doing he had to move across the open under heavy machine-gun, rifle and shell fire. He carried a wounded officer to a place of safety under very heavy fire.
"On another occasion he went some way in front of our advanced line and brought in a wounded man under continuous sniping and machine-gun fire.
"His heroism was the means of saving many lives, and provided a magnificent example of courage, cheerfulness, and determination to the fighting men in whose midst he was carrying out his splendid work. This gallant officer has since been killed in action."
Ernest Wright Alexander - born in Liverpool 1870, Royal Field Artillery - died on August 25, 1934 in Kingsbridge, Devon
"For conspicuous bravery and great ability at Elouges on 24th August, 1914, when the flank guard was attacked by a German corps, in handling his battery against overwhelming odds with such conspicuous success that all his guns were saved, notwithstanding that they had to be withdrawn by hand by himself and three other men.
"This enabled the retirement of the 5th Division to be carried out without serious loss. Subsequently Lieutenant-Colonel Alexander (then Major) rescued a wounded man under a heavy fire, with the greatest gallantry and devotion to duty."
Stanley Henry Parry Boughey - born in Toxteth in 1896, Royal Scots Fusiliers - died on December 4, 1917 in El Burf, Palestine
"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in command of his battalion. Lieut-Colonel Bushell personally led C Company of his battalion, who were co-operating with an Allied regiment in a counter-attack, in face of very heavy machine-gun fire.
"In the course of this attack he was severely wounded in the head, but continued to carry on, walking about in front of both English and Allied troops, encouraging and reorganising them.
"He refused even to have his wound attended to until he had placed the whole line in a sound position, and formed a defensive flank to meet a turning movement by the enemy.
"He then went to Brigade Headquarters and reported the situation, had his wound dressed, and returned to the firing line, which had come back a short distance. He visited every portion of the line, both English and Allied, in the face of terrific machine-gun and rifle fire, exhorting the troops to remain where they were and to kill the enemy.
"In spite of the wounds, this gallant officer refused to go to the rear, and had eventually to be removed to the dressing station in a fainting condition.
"To the magnificent example of energy, devotion and courage shown by their commanding officer is attributed the fine spirit displayed and the keen fight put up by his battalion, not only on the day in question, but on each succeeding day of the withdrawal."
Christopher Bushell - born 1887 Neston, Queen’s Royal West Surrey Regiment - died August 8, 1918 in Morlancourt, Somme, France
"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in command of his battalion. Lieut-Colonel Bushell personally led C Company of his battalion, who were co-operating with an Allied regiment in a counter-attack, in face of very heavy machine-gun fire.
"In the course of this attack he was severely wounded in the head, but continued to carry on, walking about in front of both English and Allied troops, encouraging and reorganising them.
"He refused even to have his wound attended to until he had placed the whole line in a sound position, and formed a defensive flank to meet a turning movement by the enemy.
"He then went to Brigade Headquarters and reported the situation, had his wound dressed, and returned to the firing line, which had come back a short distance.
"He visited every portion of the line, both English and Allied, in the face of terrific machine-gun and rifle fire, exhorting the troops to remain where they were and to kill the enemy.
"In spite of the wounds, this gallant officer refused to go to the rear, and had eventually to be removed to the dressing station in a fainting condition.
"To the magnificent example of energy, devotion and courage shown by their commanding officer is attributed the fine spirit displayed and the keen fight put up by his battalion, not only on the day in question, but on each succeeding day of the withdrawal."
Noel Godfrey Chavasse - born 1885 Belgium but spent a lot of his life in Liverpool, Royal Army Medicial Corps - died August 4, 1917 at Brandhoek in Belgium
One of the best known VC winners in military history on the only man to win the award twice in WW1
Noel's first Victoria Cross.
"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty ( Guillemont, France ).During an attack he tended the wounded in the open all day, under heavy fire, frequently in view of the enemy.
"During the ensuing night he searched for wounded on the ground in front of the enemy’s lines for four hours. Next day he took one stretcher-bearer to the advanced trenches, and under heavy shell fire carried an urgent case for 500 yards into safety, being wounded in the side by a shell splinter during the journey.
"The same night he took up a party of twenty volunteers, rescued three wounded men from a shell hole twenty-five yards from the enemy’s trench, buried the bodies of two officers, and collected many identity discs, although fired on by bombs and machine guns.
"Altogether he saved the lives of some twenty badly wounded men, beside the ordinary cases which passed through his hands. His courage and self-sacrifice were beyond praise. "
Noel's second Victoria Cross.
"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty when in action ( Wieltje, Flanders ).Though severely wounded early in the action whilst carrying a wounded soldier to the Dressing Station, Captain Chavasse refused to leave his post, and for two days not only continued to perform his duties, but in addition went out repeatedly under heavy fire to search for and attend to the wounded who were lying out.
"During these searches, although practically without food during this period, worn with fatigue and faint with his wound, he assisted to carry in a number of badly wounded men, over heavy and difficult ground.
"By his extraordinary energy and inspiring example, he was instrumental in rescuing many wounded who would have otherwise undoubtedly succumbed under the bad weather conditions. This devoted and gallant officer subsequently died of his wounds."
William La Touch Congreve - born in Neston 1891, Prince Consort’s Own Rifle Brigade - died July 20, 1916
“For most conspicuous bravery during a period of fourteen days preceding his death in action. This officer constantly performed acts of gallantry and showed the greatest devotion to duty, and by his personal example inspired all those around him with confidence at critical periods of the operations.
"During preliminary preparations for the attack he carried out personal reconnaissances of the enemy lines, taking out parties of officers and non-commissioned officers for over 1,000 yards in front of our line, in order to acquaint them with the ground. All these preparations were made under fire.
"Later, by night, Major Congreve conducted a battalion to its position of employment, afterwards returning to it to ascertain the situation after assault.
"He established himself in an exposed forward position from where he successfully observed the enemy, and gave orders necessary to drive them from their position.
"Two days later, when Brigade Headquarters was heavily shelled and many casualties resulted, he went out and assisted the medical officer to remove the wounded to places of safety, although he was himself suffering severely from gas and other shell effects.
"He again on a subsequent occasion showed supreme courage in tending wounded under heavy shell fire.
"He finally returned to the front line to ascertain the situation after an unsuccessful attack, and whilst in the act of writing his report, was shot and killed instantly."
Edgar Christopher Cookson - born in Tranmere 1883, HMS Comet - died on September 28, 1915 in Mesopotamia
"On the 28th September, 1915, the river gunboat "Comet" had been ordered with other gunboats to examine and, if possible, destroy an obstruction placed across the river by the Turks.
"When the gunboats were approaching the obstruction a very heavy rifle and machine gun fire was opened on them from both banks.
"An attempt to sink the centre dhow of the obstruction by gunfire having failed, Lieutenant-Commander Cookson ordered the "Comet" to be placed alongside, and himself jumped on to the dhow with an axe and tried to cut the wire hawsers connecting it with the two other craft forming the obstruction. He was immediately shot in several places and died within a very few minutes."
Gabriel George Coury - born 1896 in Liverpool, Prince of Wales’ Volunteers South Lancashire Regiment - died in 1956
"For most conspicuous bravery. During an advance he was in command of two platoons ordered to dig a communication trench from the firing line to the position won.
"By his fine example and utter contempt of danger he kept up the spirits of his men and completed his task under intense fire.
"Later, after his battalion had suffered severe casualties and the Commanding Officer had been wounded, he went out in front of the advanced position in broad daylight and in full view of the enemy found his Commanding Officer, and brought him back to the new advanced trench over ground swept by machine-gun fire.
"He not only carried out his original tasks and saved his Commanding Officer, but also assisted in rallying the attacking troops when they were shaken and in leading them forward."
John Thomas Davies - born in Birkenhead, Prince of Wales’ Volunteers South Lancashire Regiment - died on October 28, 1955
"On 24 March 1918 near Eppeville, France, when his company was ordered to withdraw, Corporal Davies knew that the only line of withdrawal lay through a deep stream lined with a belt of barbed wire and that it was imperative to hold up the enemy as long as possible.
"He mounted the parapet in full view of the enemy in order to get a more effective field of fire and kept his Lewis gun in action to the last, causing many enemy casualties and enabling part of his company to get across the river, which they would otherwise have been unable to do."
Arthur Walter Evans - born 1891 in Seaforth, Lincolnshire Regiment - died on November 1, 1936
"For most conspicuous bravery and initiative when with a daylight patrol sent out to reconnoitre and to gain touch with a neighbouring division.
"When [the patrol was] on the west bank of [the] river an enemy machine-gun post was sighted on the east bank. The river being too deep to force, Sergt Evans volunteered to swim across, and having done so, crept up alone in rear of the machine-gun post.
"He shot the sentry and also a second enemy who ran out; he then turned back and caused four to surrender.
"A crossing over the river was subsequently found, the officer and one man of his patrol joined him, and reconnaissance was continued along the river bank.
"After proceeding some distance, machine-gun and rifle fire was opened on the patrol, and the officer was wounded. In spite of the fact that no cover was available, Sergt Evans succeeded in covering the withdrawal of the wounded officer under most dangerous and difficult conditions and under heavy fire.
"The success of the patrol, which cleared up a machine-gun post on the flank of the attacking troops of a neighbouring division and obtained an identification, was greatly due the very gallant conduct of Sergt Evans."
Cyril Edward Gourley - born in 1893, Wavertree, Royal Field Artillery - died on January 31, 1982
"For most conspicuous bravery when in command of a section of howitzers.
"Though the enemy advanced in force getting within 400 yards in front, between 300 and 400 yards on one flank and with snipers in the rear, Sergeant Gourley managed to keep one gun in action practically throughout the day.
"Though frequently driven off always returned, carrying ammunition, laying and firing the gun himself, taking first one and then another of the detachment to assist him.
"When the enemy advanced he pulled his gun out of the pit, and engaged a machine gun at 500 yards, knocking it out with a direct hit.
"All day he held the enemy in check, firing with open sights at enemy parties in full view at 300 to 800 yards, and thereby saved his guns, which were withdrawn at nightfall."
David Jones - born in Liverpool, 1891, King’s Liverpool Regiment - died in action at Bancourt, Somme, France on October 7, 1916
"For most conspicuous bravery, devotion to duty and ability displayed in the handling of his platoon.
"The platoon to which he belonged was ordered to a forward position and during the advance came under heavy machine gun fire, the officer being killed and the platoon suffering heavy losses.
"Serjt David Jones led-forward the remainder, occupied the position and held it for two days and two nights without food or water, until relieved.
"On the second day he drove back three counter-attacks, inflicting heavy losses. His coolness was most praiseworthy. It was due entirely to his resource and example that his men retained confidence and held their post."
Thomas Alfred (Todger) Jones - born 1880 in Runcorn, Cheshire Regiment - died on January 30, 1956
"On 25 September 1916 during the Battle of Morval Private Jones was with his company covering the advance in front of a village, when he noticed an enemy sniper 200 yards (200 m) away.
"He went out and, although one bullet went through his helmet and another through his coat, he returned the sniper's fire and killed him.
"He then saw two more Germans firing on him although they were displaying a white flag. Both these he shot.
"On reaching the enemy trench he found several occupied dug-outs and single-handed disarmed 102 of the enemy, including three or four officers, and took them prisoner."
Alexander Malins Lafone - born 1870 in Cressfield, 1st County of London Yeomanry/Duke of Cambridge’s Hussars - died in action on October 27, 1917 at Beersheba, Palestine
"For most conspicuous bravery, leadership and self-sacrifice, Major Lafone, for more than seven hours, held a position against vastly superior forces.
"Visibility was poor, owing to the shelling from the enemy. He beat off Cavalry charges, by the enemy, causing them many casualties.
"One enemy charge left 15 casualties within 20 yards of his trench. One man who had managed to reach the trench was bayonetted by Major Lafone. All of his men became casualties except three.
"The trench was so full of wounded that it became difficult to move about and use weapons.
"Major Lafone ordered those who could walk to move to a trench, slightly to the rear. They continued to maintain a heroic resistance.
"When eventually they became surrounded, he stepped into the open and continued to fight until he was mortally wounded, finally he collapsed. His courage and cheerfulness set a splendid example to the men which enabled them to hold the position as ordered."
Frank Lester - born 1896 in Huyton, Lancashire Fusiliers - died on October 12, 1918 at Neuvilly, France
"For most conspicuous gallantry and self-sacrifice during the clearing of the village of Neuvilly, near Le Cateau, on 12th October 1918.
"With a party of seven men under an officer, Lester was the first to enter a house by the back door, shooting two Germans as they attempted to escape by the front door.
"A minute later a fall of masonry blocked the door by which the party had entered. The only exit into the street was under fire at point-blank range, the street also being swept by machine-gun fire at close range.
"Observing that an enemy sniper was causing heavy casualties to a party in a house across the street, Private Lester exclaimed "I'll settle him" and, dashing out into the street shot the sniper at close quarters, falling mortally wounded at the same instant.
"Frank Lester well knew it was certain death to go into the street and the party opposite was faced with the alternative of crossing the fire-swept street or staying where it was and being shot one by one. To save their lives, Lester sacrificed his own."
Richard George Masters - born 1877 in Birkdale, Royal Army Service Corps - died on April 4, 1963 in Southport
"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. Owing to an enemy attack, communications were cut off and wounded could not be evacuated.
"The road was reported impassable, but Private Masters volunteered to try to get through, and after the greatest difficulty succeeded, although he had to clear the road of all sorts of debris.
"He made journey after journey throughout the afternoon, over a road consistently shelled and swept by machinegun fire, and was on one occasion bombed by an aeroplane.
"The greater part of the wounded cleared from this area were evacuated by Private Masters, as his was the only car that got through during this particular time.' His magnificent heroism, coupled with the skilful handling of his troops, were most important factors leading to success."
Hugh Donald McKenzie - born 1885 in Liverpool, Canadian Machine Gun Corps - died on October 30, 1917 in Belgium
"For most conspicuous bravery and leading when in charge of a section of four machine guns accompanying the infantry in an attack.
"Seeing that all the officers and most of the non-commissioned officers of an infantry company had become casualties, and that the men were hesitating before a nest of enemy machine guns, which were on commanding ground and causing them severe casualties, he handed over command of his guns to an N.C.O., rallied the infantry, organised an attack, and captured the strong point.
"Finding that the position was swept by machine-gun fire from a ‘pill-box’ which dominated all the ground over which the troops were advancing, Lt. MacKenzie made a reconnaissance and detailed flanking and frontal attacking parties which captured the ‘pill-box,’ he himself being killed while leading the frontal attack.
"By his valour and leadership this gallant officer ensured the capture of these strong points and so saved the lives of many men and enabled the objectives to be attained."
John Molyneux - born 1890 in St Helens, Royal Fusiliers, died March 25, 1972 - died on March 25, 1972
"For conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. During an attack, which was held up by machine gun fire which caused many casualties, Sgt Molyneux instantly organised a bombing party to clear the trench in front of a house.
"Many enemy were killed and a machine gun captured. Having cleared this obstacle, he immediately jumped out of the trench and called for someone to follow him, and rushed for the house.
"By the time the men arrived he was in the thick of a hand-to-hand fight, this only lasted a short time and the enemy surrendered, and in addition to the dead and wounded between twenty and thirty prisoners were taken.
"Apart from the personal bravery of this Non-Commissioned officer, his initiative and dash prevented a slight check from becoming a serious block in the advance, and undoubtedly prevented many casualties."
Thomas Mottershead - born 1892 in Widnes, No 20 Squadron - killed on January 12, 1917 in Belgium
"For most conspicuous bravery, endurance and skill, when attacked at an altitude of 9000 feet (2 800 metres) the petrol tank was pierced and the machine set on fire.
"Enveloped in flames, which his Observer, Lieutenant Gower was unable to subdue, this very gallant soldier succeeded in bringing his aeroplane back to our lines, and though he made a successful landing, the machine collapsed on touching the ground, pinning him beneath wreckage from which he was subsequently rescued.
"Though suffering extreme torture from burns, Sergeant Mottershead showed the most conspicuous presence of mind in the careful selection of a landing place, and his wonderful endurance and fortitude undoubtedly saved the life of his Observer. He has since succumbed to his injuries."
Thomas Patrick Neely - born 1897 in Wallasey, Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regiment - died on October 1, 1918 at Rumilly-en-Cambrésis in France
"For most conspicuous bravery during operations at Flesquieres on 27th September, 1918. His company was held up during the advance by heavy machine-gun fire from a flank. Cpl.
"Neely, realising the seriousness of the situation, at once, under point-blank fire, dashed out with two men and rushed the positions, disposing of the garrisons and capturing three machine guns. Subsequently, on two successive occasions, he rushed concrete strong points, killing or capturing the occupants.
"The splendid initiative and fighting spirit displayed by this gallant non-commissioned officer in dealing with a series of posts, in some cases single-handed, was largely responsible for the taking and clearing of a heavily fortified and strongly garrisoned position, and enabled his company to advance 3,000 yards along the Hindenburg support line."
John O’Neill - born 1897, Prince of Wales’ Leinster Regiment - died on October 16, 1942
"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty near Moorseele on 14th October 1918, when the advance of his company was checked by two machine guns and an enemy field battery firing over open sights.
"At the head of eleven men only he charged the battery, capturing four field guns, two machine guns and sixteen prisoners.
"Again, on the morning of the 20th October 1918, Sjt. O’Neill, with one man, rushed an enemy machine-gun position, routing about 100 enemy and causing many casualties. Throughout the operations he displayed the most remarkable courage and powers of leadership."
Arthur Herbert Procter - born 1890 in Bootle, King’s Liverpool Regiment - died on January 26, 1973
"For most conspicuous bravery. Private Procter, noticing some movement on the part of two wounded men who were lying in the open in full view of the enemy at about 75 yards in front of our trenches, went out, on his own initiative, and, though heavily fired at, ran and crawled to the two men, got them under cover of a small bank, dressed their wounds, and after cheering them with the promise of rescue after dark, and leaving with them some of his clothing for warmth, regained our trenches, again being heavily fired at. At dusk both men were brought in alive."
William Ratcliffe - born 1884 in Liverpool, Prince of Wales’ Volunteers South Lancashire Regiment - died on March 26, 1963
"For most conspicuous bravery ( Messines, France ). After an enemy’s trench had been captured, Private Ratcliffe located an enemy machine gun which was firing on his comrades from the rear, whereupon, single-handed and on his own initiative, he immediately rushed the machine gun position and bayonetted the crew. He then brought the gun back into action in the front line. This very gallant soldier has displayed great resource on previous occasions, and has set an exceptionally fine example of devotion to duty."
John Alexander Sinton - born 1884 in British Columbia (went to university in Liverpool), Indian Medicial Service - died on March 25, 1956
"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. Although shot through both arms and through the side, he refused to go to hospital, and remained as long as daylight lasted, attending to his duties under very heavy fire. In three previous actions Captain Sinton displayed the utmost bravery."
Ronald Niel Stuart - born 1886 in Toxteth Park, HMS Pargust - died on February 8, 1954
"On 7 June 1917 while disguised as a British merchant vessel with a dummy gun mounted aft, H.M.S Pargust was topedoed at very close range. Her boiler room, engine room and No 5 hold were immediately flooded, and the starboard lifeboat was blown to pieces.
"The weather was misty at the time, fresh breeze, and a choppy sea. The Panic Party under the command of Lt F.R Hereford DSC RNR abandoned ship, and as the last boat was shoving off, the periscope of a German submarine was observed close before the port beam about 400 yards distant.
"The enemy then submerged, and his periscope reappeared directly astern, passing to the starboard quarter, then round to the port beam when it turned again towards the ship, breaking the surface about 50 yards away.
"The lifeboat was acting as a lure, commenced to pull around the stern and the submarine followed. The panic party led by Hereford continued to decoy the submarine.
"The Pargust opened fire with all guns trained upon the German submarine. H.M.S Pargust was in a sinking condition but kept up it’s barrage on the enemy.
"Fire continued until the German submarine sank. Two German seaman were picked up from the water. A British sloop arrived on scene to tow Pargust back to Queenstown."
Albert White - born 1892 in Liverpool, South Wales Borderers - died on May 19, 1917 at Monchy-le-Preux, France
"For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. Realising during an attack that one of the enemy's machine guns, which had previously been located, would probably hold up the whole advance of his Company, Sjt White, without the slightest hesitation, and regardless of all personal danger, dashed ahead of his Company to capture the gun.
"When within a few yards of the gun he fell riddled with bullets, having thus willingly sacrificed his life in order that he might secure the success of the operations and the welfare of his comrades."
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