A PERMANENT memorial has been unveiled outside the People's Palace to a hero of World War 1.

Private Henry May from Bridgeton braved a "hail of lead" to rescue two soldiers during a battle in France in 1914.

The reservist with the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) later said: "I just did what any man in the regiment would have done to bring in a wounded man."

He received a hero's welcome on his arrival home at Central Station when he was carried aloft by wellwishers.

On August 12, 1915, King George presented him with the Victoria Cross - the highest award for gallantry a British or Commonwealth serviceman can receive.

In memory of the hero soldier, a paving stone has been laid outside the People's Palace,and joining deputy Lord Provost Gerry Leonard at the unveiling ceremony were Mr May's grandson and great-granddaughter, James and Jennifer McInnes.

Also attending were a number of recently discovered relatives, including Eileen Brown another of his grandchildren.

After the war Mr May resumed his work in textiles in Bridgeton where he lived with his wife and children.

His actions are also remembered in a series of granite paving slabs at Bridgeton Cross inset with local VC holders' names.

Mr Leonard said: "Henry May is more than a local hero. He ranks among the very few men in the Great War who survived while carrying out the ultimate act of valour, risking his life to save the lives of comrades including a platoon commander.

"He deserves our utmost respect and it was a real honour to meet with his relatives who have been reunited thanks to the council's appeal for family to come forward to mark this important event."

Jennifer McInnes said: "We are very proud of my great grandfather Henry May's amazing courage and valour during World War 1.

"I hope his story will inspire other Glaswegians both at home and abroad to delve into their own family's war history."