Local people have voted for six Sandwell heroes to be commemorated in the Raise a Glass to a Local Hero project 100 years on from the Battle of the Somme. History groups nominated three First World War heroes from each of Sandwell’s six towns to be put to a public vote. The six heroes chosen will be commemorated on specially-designed beer mats which will be distributed in pubs across the borough. The poll was organised by Sandwell Council’s libraries and archive service as part of the local commemorations of the Battle of the Somme.

The heroes with the most votes in each town were:

  • Oldbury – Private Albert Barnsley with 54.72% of the vote
  • Rowley Regis – Lance Corporal Sidney Taylor with 38.57% of the vote
  • Smethwick – Private Harry Bodfish with 47.17% of the vote
  • Tipton – Nurse Tilly Tate with 67.53% of the vote
  • Wednesbury – Stoker Frank Malton with 48.15% of the vote
  • West Bromwich – Private Arnold Slater with 36.37% of the vote

Go to www.sandwell.gov.uk/localheroes for a short profile of the six heroes, as well as the other heroes nominated.

Sandwell's Community History and Archive Service (CHAS) is asking local people if they have any photos of the heroes to call 0121 558 2561 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Councillor Richard Marshall, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for leisure, said: “This has been a very worthwhile exercise to mark the dark days of the First World War and those bloody events at the Battle of the Somme.

“It is an imaginative way of reminding us all of the great sacrifices made by people from the six towns of Sandwell.

“The beer mats will start to be distributed in local pubs in the coming weeks so I would urge people who see them to raise their glass to Sandwell’s heroes.”

Organisers of the project have thanked local people who voted for their local heroes and local history groups for their support.