A VETERAN of the 1944 Normandy campaign from Radlett has spoken of his delight at becoming a Chevalier of the Legion d'honneur over the weekend.

Ernie Brewer, 84, who was seriously wounded in the fierce fighting to expel the Germans from France, was whisked away from the 65th anniversary ceremonies at the landing beaches to Paris on Saturday night, to receive one of the nation's top decorations at the Hotel des Invalides, where Napoleon is entombed.

He said: “I am delighted – it is a great honour but I really don't know why they have given it to me.

“I had to keep it quiet from the rest of the lads because security was so tight.

“It is a beautiful thing - not exactly a medal, more a very ornate double-sided decoration. It was presented by one of the top brass in the French Army.”