“You are the heroes of the Second World War. Modern knights”

Christchurch-born Ron Beale, 94, was made a chevalier of the Legion d’honneur in a ceremony on Portland alongside fellow Dorset Regiment veteran Tony Wills, 91, and family and friends.

The awards, honouring their role in the liberation of France during the Second World War, were presented by French consul Josette Lebrat who said: “You are the heroes of the Second World War. Modern knights. We honour you.

“We also remember your friends, those who did not make it back. Thorough you and through this ceremony we honour their sacrifice and their courage.

“It is through the courage of men and women like you that our parents across the channel were able to regain their freedom.

“On behalf of the French Republic and on behalf of our parents, I would like to say a warm thank you. Merci.”

Mr Beale arrived in Normandy with 4 Dorsets in June 1944. In August, the same day his best man was killed, he was hit by a machine gun round and collapsed in a corn field. Fortunately he was spotted by the battalion’s padre, Francis Musgrave, who was himself to die later that day in a mortar attack.

“I am very thrilled I think it’s a wonderful medal,” he said.

“It isn’t very often my friends and family get together on this scale.”

Born in Misterton in 1925, Mr Wills joined the Dorset Regiment in 1943. He was enlisted with 5 Dorsets and saw service with them through the Normandy campaign.

“It’s a great honour to me,” he said.

“You think more of your colleagues. I had the privilege of serving with some of the finest men you could ever have and that’s what gets me. I get very emotional when I think about them.”

Event organiser Major Nick Speakman from the Keep Military Museum in Dorchester said: “It is so important that we tell people about these men and what they went through. These awards help to bring their stories to new generations and also enable us to remember those who did not return.”