D-DAY veteran John Cross has been awarded France’s highest military honour for his part in the D-Day operation on June 6, 1944.

John, 93, of Main Road, Moulton, received a medal during a ceremony in Chester to mark his instalment as a Chevalier in the French Legion d’honneur.

A leading seaman, John’s role on D-Day was as coxswain of the landing craft LCT422, which transported up to four DD tanks - one of the Allies’ secret weapons, known as swimming tanks - together with their crew, from the 1st Canadian Armoured Division.

LCT422 was part of the 4th Flotilla, and it was John’s responsibility, under heavy bombardment, to steer the craft to Juno Beach, allowing the release of the tanks onto the beach.

John and his other crew members almost missed D-Day, as their vessel broke down while sailing from Southampton to Portsmouth on June 5 to join up with the 4th Flotilla before the channel crossing to Normandy.

The engine was repaired, but by the time the vessel reached Portsmouth the Flotilla had already set sail, which meant LCT422 had to make the channel crossing alone, meeting up with the 4th Flotilla off Normandy at 5am on D-Day.

“The flotilla was formed up, and between each LCT I could see assault landing crafts filled with soldiers,” said John.

“Behind them was a line of rocket ships. I heard the 'whoosh' of their first salvo, which was shortly followed by the fighter planes 'strafing' the beach with machine gun fire.

“I was ordered to remain in the area during the assault during which time I put the craft’s guns to good use.

“I remained until 10am, and then as I set sail for home remember seeing the hospital ship St David steaming towards the French coast.”

John had remained at his post in the wheelhouse for more than 48 hours.

“I was delighted, proud and honoured to be awarded the prestigious medal by the French government,” he said.

John and 12 other veterans were presented with their medals by French Honorary Consul, Madame Aude Auclair, and her predecessor Yvan Besnard.