Merseyside veteran receives France’s highest honour

Harry was presented with his medal by the French consul to Liverpool. Credit: Royal British Legion

D-Day veteran, 98-year-old, Harry Howorth, from Southport, has received France's highest honour, the Legion d’Honneur medal.

The veteran had not about his experiences in Normandy and had never been back to France until he joined the Royal British Legion 75th anniversary cruise last month.

Harry was recognised his bravery after the Royal British Legion submitted an application on his behalf.

He was presented with his medal by the French consul to Liverpool.

Harry was a signaller with the 2nd battalion of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry and landed on Sword Beach on June 6, 1944, with the aim of capturing the city of Caen.

The British troops were met by a German counter-attack from the 21st Panzer Division and Harry’s battalion lost 113 men on that day – roughly one in seven of his comrades.

There was fierce fighting for the next six weeks, known as the Battle for Caen, but Harry’s battalion helped to capture the devastated city.

Credit: Royal British Legion

Harry said: