Blue plaque honouring war hero to be unveiled in Datchet

Datchet’s first blue plaque – honouring a war hero for ‘an act of extreme bravery’ – is set to be unveiled later this month.

The plaque honours Sergeant Henry William Engleheart, who was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1900, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy.

It was awarded for his actions near Bloemfontein, South Africa, during the Second Boer War.

Engleheart was 36 years old, and a sergeant in the 10th Royal Hussars at the time.

On March 13, 1900, British forces faced intense resistance as they retreated through enemy lines after destroying a railway near Bloemfontein. They were outnumbered four to one.

They had to navigate four deep ravines under heavy fire. Sapper Webb, one of the soldiers, was left in trouble when his horse failed to climb the bank.

Sgt Engleheart returned to Sapper Webb's assistance despite the danger and high chance of being cut off.

He was nonetheless able to get Sapper Webb safely back to the party.

On retiring from the army, Sgt Engleheart was appointed Lodge Keeper at the Castle by King Edward VII, a position he retained for 25 years before retiring to Fairlight in Lawn Close, Datchet.

There, he became closely involved with ex-service men’s clubs and officiated at the annual dog show in the Home Park.

Now, a blue plaque is to be unveiled in his honour, after a long road to get there.

In 2018, local historian and author Derek Hunt made an application to the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead requesting a blue plaque in Datchet to commemorate Sgt Engleheart.

Funding was not available at the time so the application was placed in a queue.

In 2023, Derek asked Datchet Village Society for help and it resubmitted the application.

The residents at Sgt Engleheart’s former home gave their full support, and Datchet Parish Council agreed to purchase and install the plaque on behalf of the village.

In August 2024, RBWM approved the application and the plaque is now ready to be unveiled.

There will be an unveiling ceremony on November 23, at Datchet Women's Institute Hall in The Green, Datchet.

Visitors can discover how a child born in a prison went on to become a sergeant and was awarded the Victoria Cross by Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle.

An exhibition and displays from Horse Power, the Museum of the King’s Royal Hussars, and Datchet Village Society will reveal more about his heroic actions, his time in the army, his family and local connections.

Doors open at midday with the unveiling ceremony taking place at 12.30pm. Exhibitions can be viewed anytime between 12-3pm. There is no charge and everyone is welcome.

The nearest train station is Datchet and there is parking available at Horton Road car park and Datchet Station.

Alison Crampin, chair of Datchet Village Society, said:

“We’re delighted that our request was finally approved and Datchet will now have its first blue plaque, commemorating the gallantry of a former resident.

“The unveiling ceremony is an opportunity for the public to see the plaque close-up, before it is installed at Sgt Engleheart’s former home, and to learn more about a local hero.”