BRAVE local men who fought and fell in a First World War campaign which bore the name of their 'Dardanelles' drill hall have finally been honoured with a fitting permanent memorial.

A specially commissioned stained glass window now has pride of place within the McLean Museum to mark the contribution and sacrifice from a battalion of 1,000 souls from Greenock, Gourock, Port Glasgow, Inverkip and Wemyss Bay.

As the men trained at their hall near the modern day West College campus they would have been unaware that they were to be despatched to the Dardanelles strait at Gallipoli.

It was there that many of them — all part of the famous Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Regiment — would make the ultimate sacrifice.

Alan Cumming — who co-founded a fund with his wife Elizabeth to pay for the memorial window — said: "We felt that the whole campaign had been forgotten about, apart from a few descendants, because it was a failure.

"It is important to have a permanent memorial, not least due to the fact that our local towns and villages sent a whole battalion — and the officers were local as well."

Alan added: "This permanent piece is unique among First World War memorials in that it honours not only the sacrifice made by local men, but also the efforts expended by our community to ensure a continuing supply of necessities reached frontline troops."

The striking tribute — created by local artist Alec Galloway — incorporates the Port Glasgow-built SS River Clyde and has been installed in the museum's west facing central window.

Alan said: "This ship has become an iconic image of the campaign and is recognised by every nation whose sons fought in this harsh conflict.

"However, to our local servicemen she represented much more.

"The beaching of her signalled the start of the landings and throughout the conflict she held her position.

"The sight of her, stock still, was doubtless a reminder of home shores."

Artist Alec said: "I was really touched and honoured to be part of this memorial.

"Gallipoli was such a key historical moment in the First World War, and it is particularly poignant because it was local men who were lost in the conflict.

"I am delighted that the patrons are happy with the memorial window."

*Pictured from left, Dardanelles Fund co-founder, Alan Cumming, patron Robert Moran, artist Alec Galloway, fund vice-chair Ian Campbell and Argyll and Sutherland Highlander Tam Moran.