A WAR veteran has been honoured by the French President in recognition of his D-Day heroics.

Albert England, 90, of Giffords Cross Avenue, Corringham, was a stalwart of the Borough’s Burma Star Association and he and his wife Wyn worked tirelessly for the organisation before its standard was laid up at Orsett Church last year and the Thurrock branch disbanded.

But as well as his service in Burma, Albert was part of the D-Day operation, helping pilot a landing craft to the Normandy beaches. His boat didn’t make it to the shore, as it was bombed and Albert was rescued from the sea.

He was later flown to Burma where he served with honour.

Now, to mark his participation on D-Day, Albert has been honoured by the French President and appointed to the rank of Chevalier in the Ordre national de la Legion d’honneur.

Albert declined the honour of attending the French Embassy to receive the award, but on behalf of the French President and the people of the Republic, Thurrock’s deputy Mayor Councillor Cathy Kent handed Albert his insignia at a recent council meeting, where the veteran received a standing ovation from councillors.

Mrs Kent said: “I am sure we all join with the French people in extended heartfelt thanks for his service and offering congratulations on this honour.”

Last year as part of the 70th anniversary of the landings, Albert returned to France to pay tribute to his comrades who did not survive. At the Council meeting has asked his friend, Neil Speight, on his behalf to read an extract from a poem of tribute called At Dawning, written by Tony Chapman a member of the Landing Craft Association and dedicated to the men of D-Day on June 6, 1944.