THE daughter of a First World War hero with a remarkable story has been united with her father’s medals thanks to a specialist collector.

Howard Williamson, 67, of Hankin Avenue, Dovercourt, paid approximately £1,400 for medals awarded to Private Hugh McInnes at an auction four years ago.

After researching Pte McInnes’ role during the war, Howard discovered a remarkable story of endurance.

In 1916, Pte McInnes was one of 45 soldiers who survived a British attack on a fortified trench during the Battle of the Ancre.

Cut off and surrounded by entrenched German soldiers, the men of the 16 Battalion Highland Light Infantry held out for eight days, desperately fighting hand to hand with spades, bayonets and rifles taken from the dead.

Private McInnes was one of a handful of survivors after German forces eventually overran their position.

They had survived for more than a week with very little food or water, under almost constant attack from all sides.

About 15 soldiers were captured and made prisoner and one was shot for accepting a piece of bread from a French villager.

After surviving the encounter, he was awarded the Military Medal for bravery in battle on land.

Mr Williamson was then stunned when he was contacted by Annette Joyce, 74, the daughter of Pte McInnes, who had been searching for the medals after learning of her father’s history.

Annette, now living in Australia, was delighted to hear that Howard would be happy to return the medals to the family.

Mr Williamson said: “This process has been going on for about six weeks now.

“She never knew of her father’s involvement as he never mentioned it or talked about it at all.

“She only recently found some documents relating to his history and wanted to find out more.”

Annette’s daughter, Catherine Tieg, travelled from Oslo, Norway, to meet Mr Williamson at his home on Sunday and accept the Military Medal for bravery and the 1914/15 star trio.

“I was only happy to help. I think medals like these do belong with the families,” Mr Williamson added.