A VETERAN who served in the Second World War has been awarded the highest honour from the French government.

Alan Iles, who is now 92, has been appointed to the rank of Chevalier in the Ordre national de la Legion d’honneur by the President of the Republic in recognition of his military engagement and steadfast involvement in the liberation of France during the Second World War.

The award was presented to Mr Iles, who lives in Willow Drive, Rayleigh, by Rayleigh MP Mark Francois at a special ceremony hosted by the Royal Naval Association.

Mr Francois said: “Alan Iles served his country during the Second World War including at D Day where he was a minesweeper who helped sweep the approaches to the invasion beaches.

“In view of his role in the liberation of Europe, the French Government have awarded him the Legion d’Honneur and I was privileged to present the medal to Alan on their behalf.

“The presentation took place in front of his family and friends and fellow shipmates from the Rayleigh Branch of the Royal Naval Association.

“We owe a great debt to this Naval veteran who fought so we can live in a free country.”

Alan Iles joined the Royal Navy in January 1943 at the age of 18.

He was originally sent to America to help bring a US ship back to Europe but while there he was seconded to take a frigate from Montreal to Halifax. When he got there, he was seconded for a second time to join the minesweeper HMS Clinton and escort a convey back to Europe.

Alan stayed with the Clinton for the rest of the war, going out the night before D Day to lay marker buoys for the flotilla.

The next day as they returned they were cheered by the Invasion force on its way to Europe.

After the presentation, Alan and his family headed to the British Legion in Rayleigh for a celebration.

His daughter-in-law, Maryse Iles, said: “The family is extremely pleased that Alan and the other servicemen who helped liberate France have finally been honoured for their service. As a family we have always been so proud of Alan. It has been interesting for us to find out more since we learned he was being awarded this medal.

“Alan would like to thank his friends from the Rayleigh Branch of the Royal Navel Association of which he is a founding member, for making this day so memorable.

“Alan would like to say a big thank you to Mark Francois MP for the presentation and his kind words in light of the poignant reminder that Mark’s own father served on a minesweeper during the liberation as well.”