A PAIR of military plaques to honour a historic building and army officer is set to be unveiled today (August 26).

The blue plaques will commemorate the history of the Le Cateau Barracks in Colchester.

The unveiling will be performed by the Colchester Garrison Commander, Lt Col Ed Rankin and is taking place on the actual anniversary of the Battle of Le Cateau which took place in 1914.

The first blue plaque commemorates the listed building constructed in 1874-75 as the Officers’ Quarters of the Royal Artillery Barracks.

In more recent times the building has been known as the Garrison Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess.

The architecture of the Officers’ Quarters makes it the most prominent building in one of the best-persevered barracks of the Victorian Colchester Garrison.

The second plaque to be unveiled is in remembrance of Major Raymond England, Battery Commander 88th Battery, and the men of the 39th, 68th and 88th Batteries XIVth Brigade Royal Field Artillery killed at the Battle of Le Cateau on August 26 in 1914.

In the battle, five VCs were awarded, three of which were to the 37th Battery Royal Field Artillery who was the last mounted artillery battery to be stationed in Le Cateau Barracks.