Every now and then you come across a larger-than-life character. His record tells us that the Rev. Noel Mellish was such a character. I’m conscious that there are some people in town who remember him, and so can give a first-hand appreciation of him. I am a mere reader of history books. However, his story is most remarkable.

Noel Mellish became Vicar of Great Dunmow in 1928, and stayed here for 20 years. He arrived here having already served as a priest in Deptford, London, and having received from King George V the Victoria Cross for his services as a Chaplain in World War I. On three consecutive days Noel Mellish, who was completely unarmed, scrambled into No-man’s Land on seventeen occasions, under constant and ferocious machine gun fire, to rescue wounded soldiers. An amazing feat, and one for which he rightly received the highest military award possible.

Noel Mellish’s story lives on in the memory of his family and those who knew him in his various church appointments. Thankfully, his story will be broadcast publicly and his achievements celebrated in Dunmow High Street on Thursday 19th June at 3pm. A bronze plaque will be unveiled by Miss Claire Mellish in a colourful ceremony near to the War Memorial.

Quite rightly, this occasion will be marked by the presence of high ranking serving and former military personnel. Old soldiers and local people who remember the Mellish family living in the Old Vicarage will be there, too. However, in many ways the most important people present will be the members of Noel’s family. There is an open invitation to anyone who wants to be part of a significant piece of local history. Come and honour a wonderfully selfless man.

David Ainge