War veteran Jack honoured by France

Mr Jack Nuttall (92) has been awarded the Légion d’honneur in recognition of his service in the Royal Artillery during the key Normandy landings of the Second World War.

Jack, who now lives in Essex, was involved in the whole campaign up to the Ardennes, including the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of Holland.

The presentation of the medal took place at the French Embassy in London by the French Ambassador in October together with other D-Day veterans.

Jack said: “I feel this honour was not just for me, but all our comrades who never returned home. I was deeply saddened when in the battle to capture Caen from the Germans my sergeant was killed by a sniper as we were both looking for cover.”

Jack, who lived in Lockyer Avenue, moved to Great Bentley, Essex, in 2012 with wife May to be near family which includes three children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

He added: “Essex may have better weather than Burnley but we still miss friends and family, Pendle Hill and the Trough of Bowland.

“Home for us now is a cottage on the edge of the largest village green in the UK. We wish Burnley well and of course the Clarets. I hope they keep up the good work.”