A SMALL rural North-East community is preparing to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of a war hero.

A winner of the Military Cross and the Victoria Cross, 2nd Lieutenant George Ward Gunn left Muggleswick, near Consett, County Durham, as an infant - but villagers will commemorate his life with a service next month.

2nd Lt Gunn, was born in his grandparent’s house in Calf Hall, Muggleswick, on July 26, 1912, because his parents’ family home was apparently still being built in Neston, Cheshire.

The son of a doctor, he grew up in Neston and was educated along with his three brothers in Parkgate at Mosytn House School and later boarded at Sedbergh in Cumbria.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, he joined the Royal Horse Artillery, and was sent to North Africa as part of the 7th Armoured Division (Desert Rats). He was in charge of four two-pounder anti-tank gun portees (trucks that carry guns).

In May 1941 he was awarded the Military Cross for showing gallantry and coolness under fire on several occasions.

He then won a posthumous Victoria Cross for conspicuous gallantry, shown while he was helping to defend the airfield at Sidi Rezegh, in the Libyan desert on November 21. It was cited by modern historians as an epic example of leadership and courage under fire.

During an engagement with 60 German tanks, 2nd Lt Gunn drove from gun to gun in an unarmoured car encouraging his men and reorganising his dispositions as first one gun and then another were knocked out.

The remaining portee was set on fire and all the crew killed or wounded except the sergeant - though gun itself remained undamaged.

2nd Lt Gunn ran through intense fire and immediately got into action firing up to 50 rounds, regardless of enemy fire concentrated on him.

He hit and set on fire two tanks, while others were damaged before he fell dead, shot through the forehead.

In Neston, Gunn Grove is named after him and his picture hangs in the Royal British Legion building.

The memorial service will be held at All Saints’, Muggleswick, at 3pm on Sunday July 29, followed by refreshments in the village hall.

Among those attending will be Anne Herbert - the great-granddaughter of Utrick A Ritson, who originally owned Calf Hall and the sole Ritson survivor still living in the North-East.

2nd Lt Gunn was Mrs Herbert’s mother’s cousin.