A new �1.26 million apartment block in Plaistow has been named after a Newham-born First World War hero so the next generation can remember his brave actions.

The block of eight new apartments on London Road will be known as George Drewry Court after a Royal Naval Reservist who won the prestigious Victoria Cross for bravery during the Gallipoli campaign when he was just 20-years-old.

The London Gazette reported in 1918 that George, from Manor Park, “assisted Commissioner Unwin at the work of securing the lighters under heavy rifle and maxim fire.

“He was wounded in the head but continued his work and twice subsequently attempted to swim from lighter to lighter with a line.”

An official opening ceremony was performed on November 15 by Councillor Sheila Thomas and attended by members of The Royal Naval Reserve and local resident, who celebrated with a traditional British feast to honour the war-time hero.

Lieutenant Michael Spencer of the Royal Naval Reserve said: “Aged just 20, for acts of bravery under extreme conditions during the Gallipoli landings in April 1915, Royal Naval Reservist George Drewry was awarded Britain’s highest military honour for bravery, the Victoria Cross.

“The achievements of Lieutenant George Drewry RNR are an inspiration to those of us serving in the Royal Naval Reserve today and it is an honour to follow in his footsteps.”

Fiona Duncan, Head of Area at Home Communities Agency who invested over �1 million in the project, said: “Our �1.26 million funding has enabled the delivery of family-sized homes of support of Newham’s housing priorities.

“Naming these high-quality apartments after a WW1 hero who was born in the borough is a fitting tribute and I’m sure the residents will feel proud of the association with George Drewry.”

The development contains eight, four-to-one bed apartments and two new apartments built in the adjacent Stock Street, including electric entrance gates for added security and a dedicated children’s area.