A MAN from Lydford who now lives in Mary Tavy has been awarded with a prestigious medal in recognition of his part in the largest seaborne invasion in history.

William Cooke, who celebrated his 99th birthday on Sunday, has been awarded the rank of chevalier in the Legion D’Honneur, France’s highest decoration for bravery.

William, who goes by the name Bill, has received the recognition for his role in the D-Day landings at Normandy on June 6, 1944. The operation began the liberation of German-occupied north western Europe from Nazi control and contributed to the Allied victory on the Western front.

Bill’s daughter Ruth and other family members celebrated his 99th birthday with him on Sunday at Blackdown Nursing Home in Mary Tavy where he is now a resident. She said: ‘We are all very proud of him and all the men who saved us and made sure that the world we live in is a better place than the one we could have had. He was very delighted to get the recognition.’

Bill was born in Lydford in 1917. He was in reserve occupation when war was declared in 1939 so he joined the Home Guard. When his job finished he joined up in 1940.

After his training he was sent to Northern Ireland to join the 61 Division for two years. He married Thirza Brook on August 1, 1942 in Lydford Church.

Bill was under canvas in woods near Hastings when he was told that Allied forces were going to invade France.

On June 4 Bill went to East Indian Docks and boarded a liner. He reached France on June 6 as part of the landings and was in charge of seven men and a three tonne lorry with 25 powder shells.

He played a part in the drive to Arnhem, which led to a famous battle in and around the Dutch towns of Arnhem, Oosterbeek, Wolfheze, Driel and the surrounding countryside in September 1944.

He took part until June 13, 1946 and got demobbed at Aldershot Barracks.