ON a recent visit to Bognor Regis I came upon a plaque commemorating an act of heroism with a local connection.

It recorded that in 1946 Walter Erskine Prior was killed while dealing with an unexploded mine on the foreshore at Aldwick 'having first ensured the safe sheltering of his subordinate ratings.'

The plaque was placed by his 'sorrowing and proud father', the Rev. Clement Prior, Rector of Upton Warren.

The term 'hero' is one which is much misused; often invoked to reflect mere sporting excellence eg Flintoff was England's cricket hero.

However, the above instance is of one where the term is entirely applicable and justified. Having assessed the odds he elected to take on the challenge and paid with his life. The plaque did not indicate whether he received a decoration for such bravery; he certainly deserved it.

Jack Marsh, Barnt Green