THE family of a Gwent soldier who fell in the Gallipoli Campaign is remembering his heroism today.

The campaign, one of World War One's bloodiest campaigns, will be commemorated on the 100 anniversary today [Saturday 25].

The assault started at dawn on April 25, 1915 as wave after wave of British and Irish, French, Australian, New Zealand and Indian troops attacked heavily defended beaches. Because of poor planning, hostile conditions and heroic defending, eight months later the operation ended, having cost 58,000 Allied lives.

William Williams, from Chepstow, was one of those killed in action as he helped get soldiers ashore at Dardanelles. He was then awarded the posthumous Victoria Cross medal for his bravery.

85-year-old Bernard Morgan, of Newport, is remembering Mr Williams, his great-grandfather, as is Alan Holloway, who knew Mr Williams as his great-uncle.

Mr Williams was a British naval seaman and was killed aged just 32.

Mr Morgan said: "He was often called by those who knew him the most bravest man they'd ever met."

Mr Holloway said: "We know all about him in the family, we are very proud."

Some 87,000 Turks died defending their home soil and many Allied troops were cut down even before they reached the shore.

Although Gallipoli is synonymous with Australian and New Zealand heroism, three times as many British and Irish troops were killed as Anzacs (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps).

The series of events in Turkey - to mark the 100th anniversary of the landings on the peninsula of Gallipoli - include an international ceremony and a Commonwealth and Irish commemoration. A separate service will also mark France's participation.