A SECOND World War veteran has been awarded France’s highest honour for his role in the liberation of the country.
Douglas Denwette, 97, took part in the D-Day landings in June 1944 as part of the 5th battalion of the Black Watch.
The former corporal joined the Black Watch in January 1940 and went on to see action in North Africa and Sicily before returning to the UK ahead of the Normandy landings.
On June 6, 1944, he came ashore on Juno Beach at the French town of Courseulles, along with the Canadian Division and 153 Brigade.
His immediate objective was to eliminate snipers in the nearby town of Douvre La Deliverand.
Mr Denwette continued to serve in the army until May 1946.
Now Mr Denwette, from Kirkcaldy, Fife, has been rewarded for his role in the liberation of France with the country’s Chevalier de la Legion d’honneur award.
He was presented with the medal from Emmanuel Cocher, consul general of France in Scotland at Kirkcaldy’s Methven House.
Mr Denwette received the medal alongside his proud family and friends, and briefly spoke about his memories of the war.
He said: “I remember it was very, very muddy. I was on the landing craft for days because of a storm and there were no toilets, and the food was horrible.”
Mr Cocher said: “It’s thanks to people like you taking those steps that the occupation of France and Europe ended.
“The qualities you showed then – gallantry and courage – are ones we need today. You are an example to young people.”
Mr Denwette’s son Blair said he was proud of his father for receiving his medal.
The Legion d’honneur was established in 1802 by Napoleon and is awarded for military and civil merits.
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