A WORLD WAR II veteran from Ayr who survived being wounded in an enemy attack has received France’s highest honour.

William Ward, 91, was a private in the 1st Battalion Kings Own Scottish Borderers when shrapnel penetrated his steel helmet at Thury-Harcourt. He was serving with the 3rd Division, also known as the Assault Division at the time and the head wound he sustained has left him with severe hearing loss. 

But it did not stop him joining eight other D-Day veterans as they were presented with Légion D’Honneur medals by Consul General of France in Scotland, Emmanuel Cocher.

A ceremony, which took place in Glasgow’s City Chambers,  was also attended by veterans’ proud family members.

Established by Napoleon Bonaparte, the insignia of Chevalier de la Légion d’honneur is also known as National Order of the Legion of Honour. The order is the highest in France and, while membership is technically restricted to French nationals, foreign nationals who have served France, or the ideals it upholds, may receive the honour. 

Consul General of France, Emmanuel Cocher said: “France will never forget the gallantry and bravery veterans showed in taking part in the Liberation of France 70 years ago. The actions and sacrifice of these men, and that of so many who fell on the battlefield, was instrumental in bringing back freedom and peace in France and across Europe”.

Councillor Sadie Docherty, Lord Provost of Glasgow, was delighted to take part in the ceremony and added: “These men are incredible and deserve to be honoured in this wonderful way.

“We owe a great debt to the thousands of soldiers and their bravery and remember all those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom.”