THE annual Gallipoli Day service – the last in Wales – took place on Monday (April 25) as Chepstow remembered its Victoria Cross-winning hero William Williams.

Able Seaman Williams died on April 25 1915 after standing chest-deep in water for hours under heavy fire, making a bridgehead to allow troops to get onto the beach at Gallipoli in Turkey.

He was later described by his captain as ’the bravest sailor I ever knew’.

Wreaths were placed by members of his family, service groups and Chepstow Town Council, on the submarine gun in Beaufort Square which was given to the town in honour of Able Seaman Williams bravery.

The story of Able Seaman Williams was read by retired Royal Navy commander Chris Wilson of the SSAFA military charity, the service was led by the Vicar of Chepstow, Rev Chris Blanchard and buglar Corporal Graham Francombe of 1 Rifles played Last Post.