Lt Firman's name has been added to the New Malden cenotaph
The bravery of a New Malden sailor has finally been recognised, 92 years after he won a posthumous Victoria Cross.
As bright sunshine burst through the morning's rain more than 100 people watched Chaplain of the Fleet John Green dedicate a new plaque on the town's war memorial to Lieutenant Humphrey Firman, who was killed in action in 1916 attempting a daring resupply mission.
Lt Firman is the third Victoria Cross holder to be found with links to New Malden, joining Squadron Leader Ian Bazalgette and Pilot Officer Cyril Barton as the town's existing Victoria Cross heroes.
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Organiser John Snowden of Malden and Coombe Royal British Legion said: "New Malden has never seen an assembly like this, never seen such a gaggle of naval officers for a start.
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"The turnout was lovely - I was worried that people might have been put off because the rain but I think New Malden can be proud."
Malden and Coombe branch president Ron Morris was quick to praise the work of local historian Robin Gill, whose research into the subject turned up Lt Firman's links with the town.
He said: "We have to thank Robin, whose fine article in the Village Voice brought Lt Firman's VC award to the attention of local residents.
"It's very important in that we are recognising the valour of this young naval officer.
"He has been lost in the mists of time and we're making amends for that."
The ceremony coincided with the anniversary of Lt Firman receiving his Victoria Cross, after being killed by Turkish forces while attempting a night time mission to resupply besieged forces at Kut-El-Amara in modern day Iraq.
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