A FIRST world war hero has been honoured by city dignitaries in a moving ceremony.

A commemorative stone to Victoria Cross hero Commander Daniel Beak was unveiled at Southampton Cenotaph in an event to mark not only the war hero's achievements - but also 100 years since the end of WWI.

It was the final event in a year long commemoration of the end of the Great War - which as reported included a two minute silence on Remembrance Sunday to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the First World War and all of the men and women who have served since.

One hundred years ago, on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, World War One officially ended back in 1918.

The Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Stephen Barnes-Andrews, helped commemorate Commander Daniel Marcus William Beak, who was born in Southampton in 1891 and educated at Taunton's School.

He joined the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve in 1915, then commissioned as a temporary sub-lieutenant in the Royal Naval Division in May 1915.

During the First World War, Beak was awarded the Victoria Cross for “most conspicuous bravery, courageous leadership and devotion to duty during a prolonged period of operations in which he succeeded in breaking up a nest of machine guns under heavy gun fire”.

The Victoria Cross was later presented to him by King George V in December 1918.

The Mayor was joined by Deputy Lieutenant Sir Jonathon Band GCB DL, Commodore Martin Quinn ADC BA (Hons), MA, FCIS, FIoD as Commander Maritime Reserves representing the Royal Navy, and Commander Glynn Johns RN.

Readings were also given by students from St Denys School and Richard Taunton’s Sixth Form College.

The Right Worshipful Mayor of Southampton, Councillor Stephen Barnes-Andrews said: "As we mark the centenary of the First World War, it is only right that we take time to think of Daniel Beak’s acts of bravery to protect friends and comrades under his command. I am glad that we are able to commemorate and honour his service with this commemorative stone for future generations to remember.”