TWO plaques have been unveiled to honour a historic military building and heroic soldiers.

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

A ceremony organised and researched by Paul Knappett, a former Ministry of Defence employee with a keen interest in the history of military barracks and ties to Le Cateau Barracks, was carried out with the help of the Colchester Civic Society and saw the unveiling performed by the Colchester Garrison Commander Lt Col Ed Rankin.

The ceremony coincided with the anniversary of the namesake 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 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 Victoria Crosses were awarded, three of which were to the 37th Battery Royal Field Artillery which was the last mounted artillery battery to be stationed in Le Cateau Barracks.

Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell, who has supported the project, said: "Paul Knappett has researched a wonderful piece of Colchester's military history, which will now be displayed for people to appreciate in the future.

"I congratulate him for what he has done. There is so much of Colchester's military history which remains hidden.

"Mr Knappett's research is to be applauded, and I look forward to the outcome of further research he is doing."

Jo Edwards, chairwoman of Colchester Civic Society, added: "Colchester Civic Society has been proud to support Civic Society member, Paul Knappett with his important commemorative project.

"These two new blue plaques will help to highlight yet more of the historic barracks."

Mr Knappett is also determined to establish a permanent sensory monument to commemorate Le Cateau Barracks, the Battle of Le Cateau and the Roman Circus near the plaques.