A war hero described as a “supremely brave son of Watford” was honoured with a commemorative paving stone bearing his name.

Major General George Pearkes was born in 1888, living over the High Street draper’s shop run by his family.

After emigrating to Canada, Major General Pearkes enlisted as a private in the Canadian Mounted Rifles in 1915.

He came back to Europe to fight in the First World War, where his brave exploits saw him awarded Britain’s highest service award for gallantry - the Victoria Cross.

And on Monday – 100 years since he received that honour – a commemorative stone to the Major General was unveiled outside his childhood home by Mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill.

Charting his rise from modest beginnings, Mayor Thornhill said Major General Pearkes was thoroughly deserving of adulation because of his “supreme contempt of danger, and wonderful powers of control” in action, which undoubtedly saved the lives of many of his men.

Unveiling the stone, she said: “Here we have great pleasure in commemorating Major General George Pearkes VC.

“A supremely brave son of Watford and Canada, we remember him, and we will look after this place with great pride.”