A SECOND World War Royal Marine who fought at Normandy on D-Day is to receive France’s highest honour.

John Stansfield was just 19 when the biggest invasion force in history landed on the French beaches on June 6, 1944.

He was serving on board a specially equipped landing craft which was bristling with weapons.

The crew’s mission was soften up the enemy defences from out at sea before thousands of troops poured on to the beach.

More than 70 years later, John, now aged 89, is to receive the Légion d’Honneur from the French government.

“They have suddenly decided everyone involved in D-Day will be granted the Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur,” he said. "I think it’s terrific.

“I’m honoured to think that the French authorities would give this medal to those of us who are still alive.

“I am a little bit overwhelmed to think I am still here to receive it."

John still remembers how “all hell broke loose” as the biggest operation in military history got under way.

Read the full story on John's D-Day experience in the Clacton Gazette, out now.