A FIRST World War hero, who received the Victoria Cross for his remarkable courage in rescuing men at Gallipoli, has been honoured in the New Forest.

A commemorative stone recognising the gallant actions of Commander Edward Unwin was unveiled on the Promenade in Hythe during a poignant ceremony on Monday.

Three generations of Commander Unwin’s family gathered on the waterfront to pay tribute to their brave forefather, alongside invited guests.

Commander Edward Unwin played a vital role in the Gallipoli campaign 100 years ago.

In April 1915, at the age of 51, he was in command of the SS River Clyde and preparing to land on V Beach in Cape Hellas, Turkey, to disembark 2,000 troops. The plan was to beach the 4000 tonne vessel and land the troops over a bridge made of small boats lashed together.

When the bridge was swept away, Commander Unwin and Able Seaman William Charles Williams dived into the water and, under fire, pulled the remaining boats into position to form a makeshift bridge.

Sadly Williams was mortally wounded and Cdr Unwin tried to rescue him, but collapsed from the cold and exhaustion.

After a short rest and against medical advice, he returned to the water to rescue wounded men until he was wounded himself and collapsed again. Finally he went out a third time to recover casualties from the beach.

Cllr Maureen Holding said: “We are honoured to commemorate one of the New Forest’s most eminent sons.

“This commemorative stone, laid in the parish of his birth, will stand as a timeless reminder to all those who view it of the debt we owe him and all those who risked and gave their lives, in fighting for King and Country.”