A HEROIC sailor’s family are being sought to attend the unveiling of a plaque in his honour this Remembrance Sunday.

St Briavels Parish Council is appealing for family members of Victoria Cross winner Vice Admiral Alfred Carpenter to attend the 10.45am ceremony at the village’s war memorial recreation ground gates.

He was awarded the VC for commanding a ship in the blockade of Zeebrugge harbour in 1918, and later retired to St Briavels where he commanded the Wye Valley Home Guard in the Second World War and lived until his death in 1955.

During his retirement, Vice Admiral Carpenter procured a training ship named the St Briavels, in which merchant navy cadets could have practical experience in handling, manoeuvring and mooring.

As Captain Carpenter in April 1918, he was in command of HMS Vindictive when it tried to land a force of 200 Royal Marines on the mole at Zeebrugge at the start of the Zeebrugge Raid.

His VC citation said: "He set a magnificent example to all those under his command by his calm composure when navigating mined waters, bringing his ship alongside the mole in darkness.

"When "Vindictive" was within a few yards of the mole the enemy started and maintained a heavy fire from batteries, machine guns and rifles on to the bridge.

"He showed most conspicuous bravery, and did much to encourage similar behaviour on the part of the crew, supervising the landing from the "Vindictive" on to the mole, and walking round the decks directing operations and encouraging the men in the most dangerous and exposed positions.

"By his encouragement to those under him, his power of command and personal bearing, he undoubtedly contributed greatly to the success of the operation."

He was also made an Officer of the Legion of Honour and awarded the Croix de Guerre with palm.

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the Imperial War Museum in London.

After late wrote about the raid, and said: "It was a good fight. I think the Huns saw their ending that night."

Anyone who knows any of Admiral Carpenter’s descendants can provide information on the St Briavels Watch Facebook page.