Veteran Basil Lyster receives Légion d’honneur for his role in D-Day

The French ambassador Jean-Pierre Jouyet presented Basil Lyster with the Légion d’honneur for his role in helping to liberate the country during the Second World War.

One of the youngest servicemen to take part in the operation, Mr Lyster, now 93, said he was deeply touched by the ‘completely unexpected’ recognition.

Serving in the Royal Marines, Mr Lyster was in charge of magazines for the gunners, providing vital covering fire for soldiers attempting to land on Sword Beach in Normandy.

In four hour shifts throughout the day and night he manned a small landing craft with little to no knowledge of what was unfolding in front of him.

In the 10 weeks after the offensive began he stayed on the craft, helping to solidify allied gains and defend the beaches from submarines.

He said: “There was a great deal of apprehension and fear.

“We didn’t quite know what we were taking part in but when you saw the number of ships, you knew it was something major.

“I don’t think I have ever been truly scared before or since. You soon learn whether you are a religious man because the first thing you want to do is pray.

“Saving Private Ryan captured it all quite accurately but without the over-powering smells.”

Eventually becoming a corporal, Mr Lyster signed up early when he was 17 in September 1942.

He went on to serve almost four years in the Marines, going on to take part in Operation Infatuate which focussed on landing on Dutch beaches.

He said he had originally intended to sign up for the Navy but found the office closed and had expected to be too small for the Marines but must have had his feet ‘on the skirting board’ to pass the height tests.

His particularly remembers surviving on dog biscuits and sleeping in hammocks.

The Légion d’honneur was presented at the garden party of the Maison française d’Oxford on Saturday in the presence of various dignitaries, friends and family.

Younger brother Michael said: “We all saw him as a hero who went off to fight in the war. I was too young so I remember being at home, not knowing what was unfolding. We are all very proud.”

Born and bred in Oxford, Mr Lyster has lived in the village of Horton-cum-Studley for more than half a century.

He was put forward for the medal by researchers at the Soldiers of Oxfordshire Museum.

The ambassador Mr Jouyet said the award was both in recognition of Mr Lyster’s own bravery and devotion to the cause of liberating his country and for the many thousands like him who did not survive.

He told the veteran: “We owe our freedom and security to the dedication of people like you.

“Today France wants to thank you for the commitment you showed to our country during that terrible campaign, we shall never forget it.

“From the battles of the First World War to the beaches of Normandy, our two countries have stood shoulder to shoulder to promote the values of freedom and democracy.

“You are a source of inspiration for our country’s young people.”