A COURAGEOUS Second World War veteran has been awarded France’s highest military distinction for his part in the D-Day landings.

On 7 June 1944, Robert James Roberts of Trawsfynydd, who is known as Robin, lined up alongside tens of thousands of fellow allied soldiers to fight on the beaches of Normandy.

The assault, which was essential to ending the war in Europe, had begun the day prior and saw unimaginable scenes of death and devastation along the heavily fortified French coastline.

Only some of the brave soldiers came home from the battlefields and recently, due to his heroic efforts, Robin was awarded France’s top military honour when he achieved the rank of Chevalier in the Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur.

In its letter to Robin, the French Embassy at London congratulated him on the high honour bestowed upon him, stating: “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.”

Robin, now aged 96 and the oldest man in Trawsfynydd, was called up to the army at the age of 22 and joined the Royal Welch Fusiliers 7th Battalion.

During the D-Day landings he fought inland and took part in the infamous Battle for Hill 112, where he lost his best friend Dick “Bach” from Llanfrothen, one of the first to be killed.

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