A SERVICE to mark the centenary of the Battle of Jutland has been held at the war memorial in Chepstow square.

The battle, which took place from May 31 to June 1 1916, was the only major naval engagement of the First World War.

A total of 8,648 men lost their lives during the battle off the Danish coast, with the Royal Navy losing 6,097 sailors and Germany losing 2,551.

The short memorial service was held by The Royal British Legion (RBL) branch in Chepstow and its chairman Ken Davies.

"I think it's very important to remember those lost, particularly at Jutland and especially on its 100-year anniversary," said Mr Davies.

"The Battle of Jutland was one of the most important battles of the entire First World War as it cut off German supplies.

"It is easy to forget that some of the fighting took place outside of trenches."

The Royal Navy lost 14 ships to the German's 11, with two battlecruisers, the HMS Indefatigable and HMS Queen Mary, sinking within 20 minutes of each other

Despite the loss of 6,097 men, the British managed to repel the German advance and the opposition never left their harbour for the rest of the conflict.

Many sailors from Gwent sailed in the British fleets during the two-day battle and many perished,

The great-uncle of Usk man Bob George, Ernest Robathan was one of the thousand to die upon the HMS Indefatigable.

Chepstow County councillor David Dovey, who was also at the memorial, deemed the battle "pivotal moment" during the Allied war effort.

He said: "While the losses were heavy, they managed to push the Germans back from whence they came.

"We owe the Navy so much. They often get the most difficult jobs and from that pay the ultimate price."