A WAR hero has been awarded a prestigious military award for his courageous services during the Second World War.

Gwynfor Williams, 92, of Trawsfynydd, has been appointed to the rank of Chevalier in the Ordre national de la Legion d’honour following a letter from the French Ambassador.

The letter reads: “I offer you the warmest congratulations on this high honour in recognition of your acknowledged military engagement and your steadfast involvement in the Liberation of France during the Second World War.

“As we contemplate this Europe of peace, we must never forget the heroes like you, who came from Britain and the Commonwealth to begin the liberation of Europe by liberating France.

“We owe our freedom and security to your dedication, because you were ready to risk your life.”

Mr Williams served with the 53rd Royal Welch regiment during the bloody conflict and recounted his dismal experiences after he signed on whilst he was six months under the prerequisite age.

“My experiences in the War were hell on Earth, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone to go through what I did. No one has an idea. This is what War does to a man,” he recalls.

“It was pretty quiet when we landed in Normandy, with only prisoners of war coming towards us every now and then.

“After arriving, our job was to move on to a place called Hill 112, in Arromanches, and try to win the territory. But the Germans could see us coming and fired shots at us, but we attacked them that night.

“We made our way through cornfields but about 10 of our crew were killed and others injured before we had to turn back because of thick fog.

See full story in north editions on Thursday