A RETIRED Wirral nurse has received France's highest military honour for his service during the Second World War.

James Rainsford, from Eastham, learned he was recipient of the prestigious Legion d'Honneur in a letter from the French Embassy.

The 91-year-old was awarded in recognition of his efforts during the Normandy landings in 1944.

Born in Toxteth, James joined the navy, aged 18, in 1943 after a spell training on establishment HMS Ganges.

He was part of the crew aboard HMS Wedgeport Fleet Minesweeper, which was ordered to ensure the channel was safe for landing craft supply ships containing thousands of soldiers landing at Normandy on June 6, 1944.

Recalling his involvement in the war effort, he said: "On June 5, 1944, at sea we were ordered to make a course for Normandy, and sweep a safe channel for the on-coming Landing-craft and supply-ships.

"We arrived at Juno-beach were the Canadian-troops landed.

“The noise was horrendous, the RAF flew at mast-head height and straffed the beaches to destroy any land-mines.

“There were Landing-craft firing hundreds of rockets every minute, and HMS Warship and an American Battleship were pounding the beaches with 16 inch shells. “The Canadians made good progress but suffered many casualties.

“We did hear that 800 men died on that day.

"A severe storm blew up and destroyed the temporary Mulberry-harbour.

"On day three, we were ordered to lower our life-rafts and proceed to the secured beach and pick up walking wounded and, transport them to the UK.

"It was a rough passage.

“The poor-men suffered with their wounds and sea-sickness.

“I was detailed to check and make a note of the time and name of each injection.

“I still remember one man’s name on his dog-tag it was A Boudreau,RC.

“I did say a prayer for him." 

Returning to civilian life, James was employed as a paver for Wirral Council.

He also worked at Vauxhall's car plant in Ellesmere port for 20 years and later became a nurse at Clatterbridge Hospital.

He married Theresa in August 1949. The couple have eight children, 22 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

He was one of five children. Their father, also called James Patrick, was a prisoner of war during the First World War.

Often referred to as the National Order of the Legion of Honour or Legion of Honour Award, it was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1803.

James learned that he had received the medal in a letter from Sylvie Bermann from the French Embassy.

She wrote: "I have the pleasure of informing you that the President of the Republic has appointed you to the rank of Chevalier in the Order national de la Legion d'honneur.

"As we contemplate this Europe of peace, we must never forget the heroes like you, who came from Britain and the Commonwealth to begin the liberation of Europe by liberating France.

"We owe our freedom and security to your dedication, because you were ready to risk your life."