World War II veteran awaiting news of French war medal

Ernest Morris, who turns 100 on June 28, fought in the Second World War, and has previously been awarded the 1939-45 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal and the 1939-45 Medal.

Ernest's family have been desperately trying to secure him another potential medal, the Ordre national de la Légion D'honneur - France's highest order of merit, created by Napoleon in 1802.

Ernest was present during the D-Day landings

Born in Ashton-under-Lyne in 1922, Ernest joined the army at the age of 19, and during the Second World War he was part of the D-Day landings in Normandy.

At one point during the war, Ernest carried an unexploded bomb "like a little baby" out of a cellar in the Netherlands and placed it a safe distance away from the house.

Ernest was married to his late wife, Gladys - who passed away in 2004 - for more than 40 years, and they lived together in Warrington to be near his son, Alvin.

Ernest Morris (Image: Alvin Morris)

Ernest now lives in Tabley House Nursing Home, and his family have organised a surprise 100th birthday party for him, where the Warrington Brass Band will help the VIP celebrate in style.

Alvin Morris said: "Dad is in reasonably good health and of sound mind. He's even survived a serious health scare last year which made him very poorly and also two bouts of Covid.

Ernest returned home in 1944 when he was injured during his military service

"But he's not going to live forever and the clock is ticking. It would be wonderful if we could give Dad the news of this honour on his momentous birthday."

Although Ernest's son is eagerly awaiting the news his dad has been awarded the French medal, he is happy in the knowledge that Ernest wil receive something equally special on his 100th birthday, which is on June 28 - a telegram from Her Majesty, The Queen.