Special ceremony honours Laugharne war hero


A ceremony has taken place to honour a war hero from Laugharne – the first Welsh man to be awarded a Victoria Cross for heroic deeds in World War One.
William Charles Fuller has had a paving stone laid in his honour as part of the WW1 100thanniversary commemorations.
Mr Fuller was awarded the Victoria Cross in September 1914, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be given.
Now, as part of the commemorations, all VC recipients are receiving a paving stone in their honour to be laid in their home county.
As the stones are being laid 100 years to the date that the VC was awarded the ceremony for Mr Fuller took place on September 14.
Dozens of members of Mr Fuller’s family came from across the UK to be at the event organised by Carmarthenshire County Council and Laugharne Town Council.
The paving stone was unveiled by his daughter Muriel Crooks, aged 91, who said it was a very proud day for her family.
“It’s been a fantastic day and a wonderful honour,” Mrs Crooks said. “I am completely overwhelmed and very proud.”
The unveiling was part of a ceremony that took place at Laugharne Memorial Hall, which included the playing of the Last Post and a two minute silence.
Armed Forces Champion Cllr Kevin Madge was one of the speakers at the event. He said: “One hundred years ago, William Fuller became the first Welsh man in World War One to be awarded the Victoria Cross, it was and is a huge honour, and we are delighted to be able to pay tribute to him.
“Both my grandfathers fought in the Great War and thankfully both returned. We are grateful to all those men who fought, we recognise their heroism and the sacrifices they made for the freedom we have today.”

* Are you a member of the Armed Forces or a veteran? Information, support and help is available through the Carmarthenshire Armed Forces Community Covenant.









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