Subject(s): Tasker Watkins Sport: Rugby Union Location: Millenium Stadium, Cardiff Unveiled: 15/11/2009 Sculptor: Roger Andrews Material: Bronze Status: In Situ Inscription(s): Plaque 1: Sir Tasker Watkins VC GBE PC DL November 18th 1918 September 9th 2007. "I did what needed doing to help my colleagues and friends and saw more killing in 24 hours than is right for anybody. From that moment onwards I have tried to take a more caring view of my fellow human beings and that of course always included my opponents, whether it be at war, sport or just ordinary life." Plaque 2: Sir Tasker Watkins VC GBE PC DL PRESIDENT OF THE WELSH RUGBY UNION 1993-2004. He oversaw the transition from the amateur era to professionalism and the move from club to regional rugby in Wales. In April 2006, Sir Tasker was made a Freeman of the City of Cardiff. Plaque 3: Sir Tasker Watkins VC GBE PC DL DEPUTY CHIEF JUSTICE. Called to the Bar by Middle Temple 1948. Queen's Counsel 1965. High Court Judge 1971. Presiding Judge Wales and Chester Circuit 1975-1980. Senior Presiding Judge for England and Wales 1983-1991. Lord Justice of Appeal 1980-1993. Deputy Chief Justice of England and Wales 1988-1993. Plaque 4: Sir Tasker Watkins VC GBE PC DL CITATION FOR THE AWARD OF THE VICTORIA CROSS. On 16 August 1944 at Barfour, Normandy, France, Lieutenant Watkins' company came under murderous machine-gun fire while advancing through corn fields set with booby traps. The only officer left, Lieutenant Watkins led a bayonet charge with his 30 remaining men against 50 enemy infantry, practically wiping them out. Finally, at dusk, separated from the rest of the battalion, he ordered his men to scatter and after he had personally charged and silenced an enemy machine-gun post, he brought them back to safety. His superb leadership not only saved his men, but decisively influenced the course of the battle. Links: Sculptor