One of Moray’s most decorated military heroes will be honoured tomorrow.
Admiral Sir Martin Dunbar-Nasmith was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1915, at the age of 32, after his efforts during the Gallipoli campaign helped secure the allies victory in World War I.
In later life he settled near Rothes and tomorrow his adopted hometown will host a parade to mark the 100th anniversary of the award.
During WWI, the admiral commanded the first enemy vessel to enter Constantinople harbour – now Istanbul – for over 450 years.
He sank 94 ships in less than 100 days, including a Turkish battleship, later rising through the Royal Navy to become Second Sea Lord, and finally Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom in 1945.
A Vice Lord Lieutenant of Moray, he died in 1965, aged 82, and is buried in Elgin cemetery.
Among those taking part in tomorrow’s march will be around 20 serving submariners, and members of the Royal Marines Band Corps of Drums.
A short service will be held at the town’s war memorial and a commemorative Victoria Cross paving stone will be unveiled.
Moray Concert Brass will play before and during the ceremony and contingents from both Moray Sea Scouts and the Submarine Service, veterans from around the country and the Lord Lieutenant of Moray Grenville Johnston will also attend.
Commodore Mike Walliker, deputy rear admiral submarines, will travel from the home of the UK’s submarine service at Clyde to speak at the ceremony.
He said: “It is absolutely right that, almost 100 years on from the gazetting of Martin Dunbar-Nasmith’s VC, we gather in Rothes to celebrate his heroic actions.
“The Submarine Service was born in 1901 but came of age in World War I.
“As a Service, our history has been shaped by conflict.
“And throughout the years, our submariners have remained constant to an ethos that was honed in the dangerous and unforgiving waters of the Dardanelles in 1915.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the likes of Martin Nasmith.”
The ceremony will commence at 11.30am tomorrow morning and is open to all who wish to attend.