A SCOTS former commando has received the highest French military honour for his heroic efforts during the D-Day landings.
Sniper Hugh Ewart, 91, was one of nine veterans to be awarded the Legion d’Honneur medal by the Consul General of France at a special ceremony in Glasgow.
The order is the highest military and civil decoration in France.
While membership in the Legion is technically restricted to French nationals, foreign nationals who have served France may receive the honour.
The French Consul General awarded the Legion d’Honneur to the men – who are all in their 90s – for their part in the liberation of France in June 1944.
The veterans, who served in different parts of the armed forces, received the medals at Glasgow City Chambers.
Mr Ewart, from Coatbridge, signed up to the military aged 17 and served as a sniper in the elite Royal Marine Commando Army.
He was part of 41 Commando preparing for the D-Day landings.
His daughter-in-law, Emma Ewart, said that the former steel worker volunteered to become a commando after his marine training and took part in a gruelling training programme at Achnacarry, near Spean Bridge in the Highlands, in the middle of harsh winter.
Mrs Ewart, 64, who lives in Uddingston, said:“He tells stories of, while tracking the German forces, being sent by his troop commander to go and watch them, maybe two miles ahead, for a day or two.
“He would have to hide out in a farm house and make notes on them including how much ammunition they had.
“One time he was in one barn and his comrade in another and the other barn was blown up.”
Mr Ewart was also involved in the liberation of concentration camp, Bergen-Belsen in northern Germany.
When he was demobbed Mr Ewart suddenly found himself unable to walk because of a back injury.
But he managed to get back on his feet due to sheer determination and willpower, his daughter-in-law said.
After the war, Hugh married his wife Margaret and settled in Coatbridge. The couple had five children.
The veteran was presented with his honour at the City Chambers yesterday by Consul General of France Emmanuel Cocher.
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.”
The National Order of the Legion of Honour was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.
The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Sadie Docherty, also attended the event.
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