A war veteran who helped liberate France during the Second World War has died.

Bill Davies, of Borehamwood, died on Wednesday January 20, 2016, at his home in Stainer Road, Borehamwood at the age of 96.

Mr Davies' honurs included being made a Chevalier of the Legion D’Honneur – the highest honour the French government can bestow.

During the Second World War, he was a soldier in the First Battalion of the Coldstream Guards, and fought in Belgium and France.

Mr Davies was the President of the Borehamwood Branch of the Royal British Legion.

Roger Bartropp, chairman of the Royal British Legion Club in Borehamwood, said: “He definitely made a mark on my character.

“It’s very hard to find people like Bill nowadays. He was a genuine good guy.

“He was an amazing person. Everyone loved him. It’s a very sad loss to the community.”

Mr Davies and his wife, Rene, were also responsible for sending many food parcels to soldiers in Afghanistan at their own expense.

According to friends, Mr Davies spent a lot of time visiting young children at school and telling them stories about the war to help them understand the tragedy.

Carol Denbigh, the women’s section president of the branch, said: “He was very much a gentleman. He had the Legion in his heart. He served them for a long, long time.

“It’s hard to think what to say about him. I remember he used to shout us into order and he would always stand next to me and frighten the life out of me.

“It’s a sad day for the Legion that we have lost him.”

Mr Davies was also the First Freeman of Elstree and Borehamwood, the highest accolade the town can give. He was awarded this title in December last year.

Borehamwood Town Mayor Richard Butler said: “It was a real honour to give him the award from the French government.

“He was a true gentleman. Bill was a man who came from serving in the war and helped in the local community.

“He was a real nice man. It’s a really sad day for Borehamwood to have lost Bill. He was our First Freeman of Elstree and Borehamwood in December.”