Cathedral College student Alistair Hurst told hundreds of onlookers at Monday’s service the story of Albert David “Alby” Lowerson, who received the Victoria Cross for his service in World War I.

The Army soldier died after WWII from leukaemia at the age of 49 and is remembered with a statue in his home of Myrtleford.

King George V honoured Sergeant Lowerson’s “conspicuous and tactical bravery” for taking on heavy machine gun fire with seven men to capture a key enemy post.

Alistair, who moved from York in England to Bright in 2005, also had a proud military history in his family.

“This is a remarkable citation by the king, honouring Alby,” he said.

“Their action means that as I sit on the bus my greatest worry is maybe a maths test I have that day.

“Their actions have shaped a world where we are free to choose the path our lives follow.”