A SECOND World War veteran who took part in the D-Day landings was presented with a medal on his 99th birthday.

Former Gunner Leonard Wells was surprised with the distinguished Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur medal as he celebrated his birthday over the weekend. The medal, which was awarded to Mr Wells by the French Consulate after his family applied on his behalf, is the one of the highest French orders of merit.

His niece, Judith Weaver said: “It was sent to us but we thought it would be perfect to wait and give it to him on his 99th birthday. It was a real family occasion.”

Mr Wells, who lives in Hylton View Care Home, Sunderland, was born in South Shields and joined the Army in 1941, serving as a gunner in the Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery, the Northumbrian Infantry Division and then the Northumberland Hussars, travelling to Italy, Sicily and North Africa.

Recalling the D-Day landings, he said: “I remember standing in the water and the sand. We were hammering the Germans and firing back. I just had to obey the orders I was given.”

During his service he was awarded the 1939-45 Star, Africa Star with 8th Army Clasp, Italy Star, France and Germany Star and the War Medal.

Mr Wells said he was ‘proud’ to have been deemed fit to receive his newest medal. Ms Weaver added: “It makes me so proud that his services from such a long time ago are being honoured now.”