THE 99th anniversary of an act of heroism by a Chepstow man was commemorated at the gun presented to the town by King George V in the sailor's honour.

Able Seaman William Williams was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross for his heroism during the ill-fated Gallipoli landings in Turkey in 1915.

Members of Able Seaman Williams's family joined the mayor and deputy mayor of Chepstow, members of the town's branches of the Royal Naval Association and Royal British Legion, army cadets and the members of the Chepstow Coastguard.

The eulogy was read by former Royal Navy commander Chris Wilson who is also president of the Chepstow Royal Naval Association which organised the commemoration.

Able Seaman Williams was helping soldiers ashore from HMS River Clyde by holding barges in place that formed a bridge.

Mr Wilson said: "Under intense machine gun and shell fire Williams stood alongside the commander of the HMS River Clyde, chest deep in the sea holding a rope keeping the drifting barges together and helping two battalions of soldiers to disembark onto the beach.

"Able Seaman Williams demonstrated his totally unselfish commitment to those soldiers for whom he was responsible."

Wreaths were laid on the gun by members of the family, the Royal Naval Association, British Legion and Chepstow Town Council.

The standard bearers were Will Williams and cadet sergeant Charli Jewitt.

Discussions are underway on how to mark the centenary of Able Seaman Williams's death.

The anniversary falls on a Saturday next year and among the ideas being considered is a march through the town.

Members of his extended family are hoping to find more relatives who would like to attend the commemoration. They should contact Sharon Putwain at [email protected]">[email protected].