CHEPSTOW momentarily stopped last Wednesday (25th April) to commemorate ANZAC Day and the memory of a Chepstow seaman who was awarded the Victorian Cross.

Able Seaman William Charles William served on the HMS River Clyde, one of the ships involved in the Allied landing at Gallipoli in the First World War, on 25th April 1915.

Representatives from Chepstow branches of the Royal Naval Association and the Royal British Legion, the Gallipolli Association, members of Chepstow Town Council and members of Able Seaman Williams’ family gathered to mark the occasion.

Described by Captain Edward Unwin VC as the bravest sailor he ever knew, Williams held on to a rope for over an hour, standing chest deep in the sea, under continuous enemy fire. He was eventually dangerously wounded and later killed by a shell.

Williams’ VC was presented to his father by King George V at Buckingham Palace on 16th November 1916. Six years later, the people of Chepstow paid their own tribute to Williams’ great courage. On 8th January 1922, a gun from a German submarine, given to the town by the King, was unveiled by his sister, Mrs Frances Smith, and dedicated in his honour. Sadly, William has no known grave, and his commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

In addition to his VC, Williams was awarded the 1914-15 Star, British War Medal 1914-20, Victory Medal 1914-19, Queen’s South Africa Medal with two clasps for Ladysmith and Tugela Heights, and the China Medal 1900.

The commemoration also included the observance of ANZAC (Australian New Zealand Army Corps) Day, a day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand acknowledging those who served and died in all wars, and was originally held to honour those who fought at Gallipoli.