The British government’s communities secretary, Eric Pickles, will make a speech at an unveiling ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum on 5 March to commemorate the overseas-born First World War recipients of the Victoria Cross.

Pickles will be drawing attention to the 145 servicemen from 19 different countries who were awarded the Victoria Cross during the First World War.

As part of the Centenary commemorations paving stones will be laid in the birthplace of each Victoria Cross recipient.

First World War Victoria Cross winners came from countries as diverse as Belgium, China, Japan and Ukraine.