Edinburgh honours the heroes of D-Day 75 years on

HEROES of D-Day were commemorated at a poignant service in the Capital today marking the 75th anniversary of the iconic landings.

Veterans who battled through Normandy during the pivotal period of the Second World War were honoured at an emotional ceremony at the French Consulate.

Four veterans received the Knight of the Légion d’Honneur Cross - the highest French order of merit for military and civil endeavours.

One recipient, Leonard Humphrey, 94, who now lives in Blairgowrie, modestly said: “I was very honoured to receive the Cross… but this is all too much publicity for me.

D-Day veterans Jack Adamson, David Livingston and Robert Jobson Paton outside the French Consulate

“Compared to others, I had a very easy war, really. After today, it would be nice to meet more veterans from that time if I can.”

Mr Humphrey was joined by former brothers-in-arms Eric Tandy, David Livingston and David Duguid.

The service was followed by a reception hosted by the West Parliament Square consulate and organised by Armed Forces charity Legion Scotland.

About 15 D-Day veterans were guests of honour, joined by serving personnel, dignitaries and Graeme Dey, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans.

D-Day veteran David Duguid receives his Lgion dHonneur Cross from Emmanuel Cocher, the French Consul General.

The Knight of the Légion d’Honneur Cross was presented on behalf of French President Emmanuel Macron by the Consul General of France.

Since June 2014, more than 5,800 medals have been awarded to those who served on D-Day and were part of the subsequent liberation of France.

Veteran Richard John William Honour, 98, from Comely Bank, gave a reading at the service conducted by the Reverend Dr Karen K Campbell, the National Padre of Legion Scotland.

Mr Honour was deployed to Normandy in 1944 before advancing through France and Belgium.

Music was provided by Legion Scotland signing sweetheart Amy Hawthorn along with performances by the Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland and Combined Cadet Force pupils from Edinburgh Academy.

Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “D-Day was a pivotal moment in the Second World War.

“Today’s service provided us with an important reminder of both the bravery and tragedy which surrounds that day, and it was a poignant and historic moment to witness the presentation of the Knight of the Légion d’Honneur Cross to more of our remarkable veterans.”

Dr Armstrong added: “Legion Scotland is committed to providing comradeship for those in the Armed Forces community and to ensuring the memory of those who fell in service to our country is remembered forever.

“It will be an honour and a privilege to host these incredible gentlemen, and to recognise the immense contribution of an entire generation.”

D-Day on June 6 1944 was the largest amphibious invasion in history and a major turning point in the story of the Second World War.

Codenamed ‘Overlord’, the operation saw a massive military force set out from the UK towards France.

By this point in the conflict, Nazi Germany had taken over nearly the whole of Europe. The Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy and started to break through German defences.

They started an attack that lasted for almost a year and took them all the way to the German capital Berlin and victory.

Graeme Dey, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans, said: “It was an honour to be able to represent the Scottish Government at the commemoration this morning, marking the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

“Today’s service allowed us a great opportunity to show our heartfelt gratitude to all those who were involved on that day, and I was especially touched to see the veterans in attendance receive the Légion d’Honneur in recognition of their service; something I know we will all agree is so richly deserved.”