THEY are the generation of men who fought for the future of Europe.

And now they are being honoured by the French for their part in the country’s liberation

Henry Leach, 91, is one of the hundreds of WWII British Army veterans who have been awarded France’s highest military honour, the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur.

The medal, for services in or to France, was presented to Mr Leach, of Hedge End, in a ceremony at Southampton Civic Centre by honorary French consul, Josette Lebrat.

Speaking after the presentation, she said: “It’s very important for France to congratulate these veterans who fought so bravely. They really deserve it and I’m really proud and honoured to be here.”

Mr Leach said receiving the medal was “something I never expected.”

He was conscripted in 1943 at the age of 17, and posted to 7th Battalion, The Hampshire Regiment, landing in Normandy close to the beach which 1st Battalion, the Hampshire Regiment assaulted on the early morning of D-Day, June 6.

He took part in his Battalion’s first major action in an attack on the village of Maltot on July 10, when the battalion suffered 18 officer and 208 other ranks casualties and served throughout the Normandy campaign.

Later his battalion defended a stretch of the south bank of the river Lower Rhine, but one night in foggy conditions, a party of Germans infiltrated south across the river to occupy a former brickworks.

In one of four attempts by 7th Hampshire to evict them, Henry was wounded. He was evacuated to UK to recover from his wound, and celebrated the end of the war in England.

After the war he worked at Follands in Hamble, and now lives in Hedge End with his wife.

Veteran Douglas Langrish was also to be honoured with the prestigious award but sadly passed away just days before the ceremony was due to be held.