A RETIRED squadron leader from Cilgerran has been presented with the insignia of the Legion d’Honneur, France’s highest honour, at a ceremony in Cardiff.

The investment was made to Stan Smith, of Llwyncelyn by Her Excellency Sylvie Bermann, the French Ambassador, in the presence of Welsh Secretary Stephen Crabb.

The award was authorised by the President of France in recognition of Squadron Leader Smith’s contribution to the liberation of France in 1944.

At the time he was a young Midshipman in the Royal Naval Reserve acting as second in command of a Tank Landing Craft delivering six Sherman tanks to Gold beach on D Day. The craft achieved its objective but was damaged by enemy mortar fire and mines.

It managed to return to Southampton and Midshipman Smith was then in charge of taking it to the repair yard.

Giving his reaction to receiving the award, Sqn Ldr Smith said: “It came as something of a surprise; it was 70 years later!

“It was a very pleasant and kind gesture on the part of the French.”

See this week’s south editions for the full story, in shops and online tomorrow