A 95-YEAR-OLD granddad says he is “absolutely proud” to be awarded France’s most prestigious award for his part in the D-Day landings.

Navy and army veteran Harry Howard from Haydock was awarded the title of Chevalier (Knight) of the Légion d’Honneur by French ambassador Jean-Pierre Jouyet.

It was sent to him for his part in helping to free the country from the grip of Nazi Germany during the Second World War on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

Though initially in the navy, Harry, who was 21 at the time, was attached to No. 6 Commando in observations, keeping in touch with ships and guiding them as to where to direct their gunfire onto inland enemy targets.

He landed on Sword Beach on D-Day around 9am with 6 Commando who had to make their way to Pegasus Bridge.

Dad-of-two Harry, who is now living at Heyeswood Retirement Village, and worked at Neill’s Foundry in Bold after the war, said: “We had to get there as soon as we could and relieve the airborne division and on arrival we encountered enemy fire as we tried to cross the bridge.

“My job was to relay messages of the enemy positions from my officer back to the ships through a radio.

“It was frightening, but I had a lot of men around me, we fought the Germans back from a nearby town and helped the people of Caen who had had quite a few years of German occupation so I imagine they were very happy to get rid of them. It was quite scary being at war, but I’m proud to have served my country and extremely proud to be given this honour.

“I just keep asking myself, what the Dickens have I done to deserve this? but I’m absolutely proud.

“I will be wearing it in pride of place on Remembrance Day in November.”

The Legion d’Honneur is the highest decoration in France and is restricted to French and foreign nationals who have served France or the ideals it upholds. Harry’s other medals are the 1939-1945 medal, The France and Germany Star, The Burma Star, Médaille Du Jubilé awarded to Normandy Veterans in Caen in 1994 to mark the 50th anniversary of D-Day – and now the Légion d’Honneur.

Haydock councillor Anthony Burns, added: “All of Haydock are immensely proud of fellow yicker Harry Howard for his much deserved recognition of receiving the Legion d’Honneur.

“He is a true hero for us all, and we are eternally grateful to all of those who sacrificed so much for the rest of us. I am sure his neighbours in Heyeswood will help him celebrate this fantastic achievement.

“Well done Harry, we are all very proud of you.”