IT is the touching tribute to a Hampshire war hero for his part in a daring rescue at Gallipoli.

A commemorative stone recognising the actions of Commander Edward Unwin, who received the Victoria Cross, was unveiled on the Promenade in Hythe.

Three generations of Cdr Unwin’s family gathered to pay remember their forefather’s part in the World War One battle.

The ceremony was organised by New Forest District Council, in partnership with Hythe and Dibden Parish Council, to mark the centenary of the award of the Victoria Cross to Cdr Unwin and to remember the contribution of all those from the New Forest who served their country during World War One.

Commander Unwin was in command of the SS River Clyde and preparing to land on V Beach in Cape Hellas, Turkey.

To disembark some 2,000 troops the plan was to beach the 400 tonne vessel and land the troops over a specially made bridge made of small boats lashed together.

However, the bridge was swept away, but Commander and Able Seaman William Charles Williams rushed into action and heroically dived into the water despite being under heavy fire from Turkish Troops.

The pair pulled the remaining boats together to form a makeshift bridge. Sadly Williams was mortally wounded.

Cdr Unwin tried to rescue him but collapsed from the cold and exhaustion. He leapt into action once more after a short rest against medical advice wounded men, until he was wounded himself and collapsed again.

That didn’t stop the brave commander from going out a third time to recover casualties from the beach.

He was rewarded the VC in 1916 and five of his comrades also received this honour for their part in the battle. Commander Unwin survived the war and died in Surrey in 1950.

Brockenhurst and Forest South East District ward councillor Maureen Holding paid tribute to Cdr Unwin.

Cllr Holding, said:”We are honoured to commemorate one of the New Forest’s most eminent sons. Commander Unwin was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions at the Gallipoli landings during the First World War and we shall never forget his bravery in the conflict.

“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.”