A high-tech commemorative flagstone for the youngest man to be awarded a Victoria Cross in the World War One will be installed in his hometown of Maryport.

Edward Benn Smith, known as Ned, won the Victoria Cross for action at Serre, France, from August 21 to 23, 1918.

He had already, at the age of 19, won a Distinguished Conduct Medal and was a sergeant.

The Victoria Cross is the most prestigious award that can be given to military personnel in the face of the enemy.

It was at Serre where he showed his true bravery.

He was a sergeant in the Lancashire Fusiliers and while in command of a platoon, he took a machine gun post with a rifle and bayonet and killed six enemy soldiers.

Later he led his men to help another platoon in trouble, took command and captured the objective.

During a counter attack the next day, he helped to restore a portion of the line.

He returned home to a hero’s welcome in 1919. The newspapers reported that he was greeted by a cheering crowd of 6,000 people, equivalent to the town’s total population at the time.

His citation reads: “His personal bravery, skill and initiative were outstanding, and his conduct throughout an inspiring example to all.”

The flagstone will be installed on South Quay in 2018, the centenary of Mr Smith's award, as part of national First World War centenary events.

It will have a QR code on it, like a barcode, which can be scanned by a smartphone and will take the user to a website page about the Victoria Cross winner. 

The town council agreed that it should be erected near Maryport Navy Club, but it was also agreed that his family be consulted over where it should go.

In 1921 he attended a garden party held at Buckingham Palace by King George V for Victoria Cross holders and was the youngest recipient present.

But while he survived the Great War, he was killed in action in the Second World War.

Sgt Smith, who never married, continued serving in China, Malaya and Ireland, before retiring with an army pension having attained the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major.

He retired in 1938 and joined the Corps of Commissionaires in London for about a year.

His military story ended where it started – in the battlefields of France.

When the Second World War broke out, he re-enlisted with the Lancashire Fusiliers. On January 12, 1940, Lieutenant Smith, at the age of 42, was killed in action during fighting around Bucquoy in France and is buried in the Commonwealth War Grave in Beuvry.

A memorial plaque was placed outside his parents’ home at North Quay, Maryport, but was moved to the town’s Christ Church. 

After the closure of Christ Church, it was moved to St Mary’s Church.

Workington's Victoria Cross winner, Private James Smith, has a memorial stone installed at the town's railway station.