Can people power win Maldon war hero Ben Cobey a Victoria Cross 100 years after his death?

We hope so - and we need your help.

In this centenary year of the start of the First World War, the Standard believes the Government should finally recognise the 19-year-old’s sacrifice for his country.

Ben’s family have long campaigned for him to be given the same recognition as his three surviving comrades.

He died during the Battle of Mons in France in August 1914 while pulling the guns away from the battle line, following an order to retreat.

Ben’s mother Maria, who was unmarried, started the campaign.

It was later taken up by his cousin Blanche Harvey, then his descendants Robert Dunn and Bill Francis and Maldon historian Stephen Nunn.

Mr Nunn has written to high profile figures including the Queen, David Cameron, the Ministry of Defence and MP John Whittingdale.

Lord Astor of Hever, parliamentary undersecretary of state at the MoD, wrote that while Driver Cobey’s actions were selfless and heroic: “It would be wrong for the Ministry of Defence to question the decisions made at that time.

To sign the petition, visit http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/david-cameron-award-posthumous-victoria-cross-to-benjamin-g-cobey