NEW lasting memorials for First World War hero Captain Noel Chavasse have been welcomed by his family.

The Oxford-born doctor was the only man to win the Victoria Cross twice during the First World War.

One hundred years on from his brave actions on Tuesday, August 9, 1916, a special ceremony will be held outside St Peter's College in New Inn Hall Street.

The Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire Tim Stevenson will unveil a special paving stone in Captain Chavasse's memory, and a second paving stone will be unveiled in November at Magdalen College School.

The events are part of a nationwide Government programme designed to honour First World War Victoria Cross recipients on the 100th anniversary of the action for which the VC was awarded.

Mary Chavasse, 82, of Hayward Road, North Oxford, whose late husband John was the nephew of Captain Chavasse, said she would attend the ceremony.

She added: "I would love to go along – everyone in the family is proud of Noel's brave actions.

"I just wish my husband was here to see it – he would have been so terribly proud – getting two Victoria Crosses was a terrific achievement."

Mrs Chavasse's son Peter, 45, an IT consultant from Wheatley, said he was delighted the ceremonies were taking place.

He added: "We have always had pictures of Noel Chavasse in the house.

"Perhaps not that many people outside the family who are not First World War historians are aware of his story, but awareness of what he did is definitely growing.

"He was incredibly conscientious and the health and well-being of the people he cared for was paramount.

"He put himself before others and once bought socks for his men as he was acutely aware of the dangers of trench foot."

The ceremony on August 9 will take place at 1.45pm.

Captain Chavasse's twin brother Christopher was the first Master of St Peter's College.

The first Victoria Cross was awarded in recognition of Captain Chavasse's actions in the Battle of Somme, where he tended to the wounded under heavy fire, frequently in view of the enemy.

His second Victoria Cross was awarded posthumously, shortly after he lost his life in the Battle of Passchendaele, also known as the Third Battle of Ypres.

Captain Chavasse's medals are now displayed at the Imperial War Museum and he is commemorated at 16 war memorials across the UK.

The second Victoria Cross will be commemorated on November 11, with a further paving stone unveiled at Magdalen College School, where he was educated.

A blue plaque was unveiled at the school in 2005 by the Chavasse family.