SERVICEMEN remembered at Lymington included a Southampton sailor who was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross during the Second World War.

Jack Mantle, 23, was serving aboard the former merchant vessel HMS Foylebank when she was attacked by 26 Stuka dive bombers in Portland Harbour, Dorset, on July 4 1940.

Leading Seaman Mantle was in charge of the vessel's starboard pom-pom gun and stayed at his post, despite being mortally wounded.

Yesterday, a small wooden boat with a large Poppy on the stern was placed next to wreaths at Lymington's war memorial.

A hand-written note said: “Jack kept firing despite a shattered left leg and a dozen other wounds. He fell at his gun.”

Leading Seaman Mantle was awarded the Victoria Cross on September 3 1940, becoming only the second person to receive the honour for action in the United Kingdom.

Lymington's mayor, Councillor Jacqueline England, was among those who laid wreaths at the memorial.

The ceremony took place against a background of tension between the Royal British Legion and the town council.

As reported in the Daily Echo, Legion secretary Marc Pidsley has launched legal action against town clerk Steve Cridland and Councillor Alan Penson, chairman of the policy and resources committee.

It follows a row two months ago over claims that council staff were paid to attend last year's service.

Speaking at the September meeting of the council Mr Cridland criticised the claims, which Cllr Penson described as “scurrilous, libellous and untrue.”

Now Mr Pidley is suing Mr Cridland and Cllr Penson for defamation.

At Totton, those laying wreaths at the town's war memorial included Julian Lewis, Tory MP for New Forest East, and Councillor Neville Penman, chairman of Totton and Eling Town Council.

They also took the salute as members of the Royal British Legion and uniformed youth groups staged a march-past following the service.

Councillor David Harrison praised the “fantastic” turn-out for the service.