THE first officer to be awarded a Victoria Cross in the First World War was honoured yesterday, exactly 100 years since his action.

A commemorative paving stone in memory of Captain Francis Grenfell was unveiled at a ceremony in Guildford, Surrey, as part of a nationwide scheme.

Part of Britain's First World War centenary commemorations, the scheme will see each VC recipient from the Great War remembered with a paving stone in their home town.

Capt Grenfell, who was born at East Clandon, was the first officer to be awarded Britain's highest gallantry award in the conflict.

The commemoration, attended by 20 members of the officer's family, included a service followed by a ceremony on Guildford High Street, where the stone was laid.

Capt Grenfell rode in a charge against German infantry at Audregnies, Belgium, and despite suffering wounds he helped save British guns at nearby Doubon.

Capt Grenfell survived the Mons battle, but was killed in action at Hooge, on May 24, 1915, in the Second Battle of Ypres, aged 34. He is buried in Vlamertinge, Belgium.

Awarding the VC, King George V wrote to his guardian and uncle: "The Queen and I are grieved beyond words that your gallant nephew has fallen in battle."