A 91-YEAR-OLD Normandy veteran said he is immensely proud to have been given the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur for his bravery and commitment during the liberation of France.

Trevor Newton, of St Thomas’ Road, Trowbridge was awarded the medal at his home last week and was told that he was the last Wiltshire recipient of the honour.

Mr Newton, who grew up in Sheffield, took part in the D Day landings, serving with the Royal Army Service Corps as a driver as part of the Guards Armoured Division, landing at Gold Beach in 1944.

He was called up only a year previously, aged just 18.

“It was war and you didn’t know where you are going or what you were going to do until they tested you for various things,” Mr Newton said. “I had already been taught how to drive before I was called up because I had just left school and I wanted to work on the railways but I was half an inch too short.

“I wouldn’t say I was nervous at the time because you were all in the same boat together but we were very careful and worried about what was coming next.

“I am told that I am the last person in Wiltshire that has been awarded the Legion d’Honneur and even since its inception, a lot of people have died that are entitled to it and it is a shame they don’t award it posthumous. “

The Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur has been awarded to all surviving veterans to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of France and is the highest award that is bestowed on ex-servicemen.

When Mr Newton left the army, he moved down to Bromham with his wife Joyce to work in the motor trade at Devizes before moving to Trowbridge last October.

Mr Newton was presented the award by Madame Josette Lebrat on behalf of the French consul.