WWI veteran, 96, receives highest military honour

A D-Day survivor, 96, has been honoured in a special ceremony at Falmouth Town Hall.

Bernard Hellings was injured during the D-Day landings in 1944.

He was presented with the Legion D'Honneur, the highest French military distinction. It recognises British service personnel who fought for the liberation of France.

The 96 year old was in General Montgomery's regiment and was injured in the Battle of Caen where it's estimated one man was lost for every yard gained.

Bernard was nominated for the award by his granddaughter Bridie Toft who persuaded him to talk about his wartime memories.

Bernard said: ''It's not something I'll forget as long as I live, not as long as I live.''

Bridie is understandably excited that her grandfather has been given the award. She said: ''We're very,very proud of him yes simply really for the fact that he's still here today to tell the story at 96.''

The medal was presented by Andrew Munson, the French consul in Cornwall. He said: "there's only about ten a year presented to British nationals so indeed it is an honour to represent the French government and to present this to a British veteran.''