A SERVICE to commemorate the 100th anniversary of a Pembrokeshire soldier receiving the highest military award for bravery will be held in Milford Haven this month.

Hubert William Lewis - better known as Stokey Lewis - was awarded the Victoria Cross for outstanding valour in the face of the enemy.

A private in the 11th Battalion Welsh Regiment, in October 1916, aged just 20, he was stationed in Salonica, in Greece.

On October 23, a raiding party of the 11th Battalion attacked German positions on the Dorsale Ridge above the village of Macho Cova.

Stokey Lewis was in 'D' raiding party under the command of Captain Guthrie Morgan.

The troops advanced up a difficult rocky slope, and as they reached the summit a German lookout spotted them and opened fire.

The raiders were held down for some time, before finally making a dash for the German trenches.

Casualties were taken by members of the Battalion and Stokey was wounded twice.

While searching the enemy dugouts, Stokey came across three German soldiers in the trench.

The young soldier attacked them using his rifle butt and bayonet, knocking down two soldiers, with the third surrendering.

The incident was witnessed by Captain Guthrie Morgan and Corporal John Nicholas of Swansea.

Stokey escorted the prisoners to a collection point before the order was given for the regiment to withdraw.

As this was happening, Stokey noticed Lieutenant Turner lying wounded on the ground.

Stokey picked up the injured man, carrying him over his shoulder and down a ridge for two hours.

Upon entering the British lines, he was seen laying down the Lieutenant, and walking away, before collapsing.

Stokey Lewis received the Victoria Cross from King George V at Buckingham Palace on February 5, 1917.

The highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces, he was also awarded the French Médaille militaire.

He died in February 1977.

The service will take place at 11am on Saturday, October 22, at the Memorial Gardens.

Father Edward LeBrun Powell will officiate, and everyone is invited to attend.

Milford Haven Museum will also be launching a book on Stokey Lewis' life, with funds from the sale going towards the museum.