A PEMBROKESHIRE war hero's medals are expected to sell for more than £12,000 at auction next month.

The collection - which include a Military Cross and Albert Medal for conspicuous gallantry - were awarded to clergyman's son William Marychurch Morgan from Jeffreyston.

They were won through his bravery in the First World War.

William went to France in December 1915 with the commission of Temporary Second Lieutenant with the 15 Royal Welch Fusiliers and within weeks, his quick thinking averted a potentially-lethal incident which led to him achieving the Albert Medal Second Class - one of only 290 ever awarded.

While on a training exercise, a man dropped a grenade which sank in the mud, so that only the smoke from the burning fuse could be seen.

Lieutenant Morgan, who was outside the danger zone, sprang forward and groped in the mud for the grenade. He eventually found it, picked it up and threw it over the parapet just in time, saving several men from death or serious injury.

He was then awarded the Military Cross in October 1916 after he led daring, but successful raids on enemy trenches in the Arras sector, taking four prisoners and inflicting many casualties.

His citation reads: "On seven consecutive nights, he carried out valuable reconnaissance under intense fire. Later he led a daring raid himself, accounting for one of the enemy. He has previously done fine work."

He was promoted to Temporary Captain in June 1917 and served in the Second World War with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

The medals were discovered at a recent antiques valuation event in Tenby organised by fine art auctioneers Halls of Shrewsbury.

The company's medals specialist, Derek Ainsworth, described the medal group as "exceptional" and anticipated keen interest from collectors when it goes under the hammer at Halls' fine pictures, silver, jewellery and coins auction on March 22 and 23.