Chelsea WW2 hero given France's highest distinction in recognition of D-Day heroics
The Légion d'honneur was given to Morris Baum on Armistice Day by the French Ambassador at her residence in Kensington
Goolistan Cooper
Morris Baum from Chelsea with his Légion d'honneur at the French Residence, Kensington Palace Gardens. He was one of 20 veterans to receive the honour from the French Ambassador
A war hero who took part in the liberation of France has been honoured for his brave deeds at a ceremony in Kensington Palace Gardens.
Morris Baum, from Chelsea , was awarded the Légion d'honneur by the French ambassador to the UK Sylvie Bermann at her residence, on Armistice Day (November 11).
The Able Seaman in the Royal Navy looked out for aircraft and E boats as part of Operation Neptune escort for convoy J9 to Juno Beach, during the D-Day landings in 1944.
The 91-year-old was one of 20 veterans to receive the award, France's highest distinction, at the ceremony.
Ambassador Bermann said: "I feel privileged and incredibly moved to award these veterans with France's highest distinction, which is our way of thanking them for their tremendous service to our country in the Second World War.
"Just as today we remember the fallen of the First World War, so we shall never forget the courage of those who fought for France's liberation over 70 years ago. To them, France owes its freedom."
The ceremony was the latest in a number of medal ceremonies that have taken place since the 70th anniversary of D-Day in June 2014 , when President François Hollande pledged to honour all those British veterans who had served in France during the war.
At the ceremony, students from London's two French secondary schools, the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle and the Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill, read out the veterans' military achievements.