AS standards were dipped to the strains of the Last Post sailors serving and past came together to pay tribute to Newport's greatest naval hero.

Malpas-born submarine commander John 'Tubby' Linton was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross - Britain's highest award for valour - for his vessel's daring and persistent attacks against enemy shipping in the Mediterranean.

In 1943 the Turbulent was sunk it is thought by running into a mine off the coast of Sardinia following an attack by enemy warships.

Commander Linton and his crew have no grave other than the sunken submarine the precise location of which is unknown.

The memorial plaque and flower garden at Malpas Court were designed and funded by Malpas Court Communities First the chairman of which, Mr John Cox said: "It is an honour to be able to play a part in the remembrance of this gallant submariner who was born less than half-a-mile from where we stand."

As with the sounding of Reveille the standards snapped back into the upright position Mr Doug Piddington, secretary of the Newport branch of the Royal Naval Association said: "Although nobody knows where Commander Linton and his crew lie this brings him close to the heart of Newport.

"Right opposite here is a junior school and when the youngsters see the plaque and garden they will hopefully think about a great man."

The plaque and memorial stone was unveiled by the Mayor of Newport Councillor Bill Langsford. Four members of the crew of HMS Torbay a Trafalgar class submarine and sister to the present-day HMS Turbulent were among those attending the short service conducted by the Rev. Mark Soady chaplain to the university and to ex-service bodies in the city.

Mr John Huntley of Chepstow, president of the Wales branch of the Submariners' Association represented former submarine crews throughout Wales.

Commander Linton was born in Malpas in 1905 and played rugby fo the Royal Navy before taking command of the Turbulent in August, 1941.

During the course of 19 patrols the Turbulent under his command sunk 100,000 tons of enemy shipping Commander Linton was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Distinguished Service Order for actions preceding those for which the VC was awarded.

A quayside memorial to the sailor known affectionately as 'Tubby' was unveiled by Newport Maritime Trust 15 years ago near the Steel Wave.

Wetherspoon's public house in Cambrian Road, Newport is named after him and contains a showcase of photographs dedicated to his memory and to the Turbulent and its crew.