A VETERAN who served in World War 2 has been commanded for his acts bravery.

Peter Barlow has been awarded the Legion d'Honneur, a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte and the highest decoration in France.

Mr Barlow was called up to the army shortly after his eighteenth birthday and served in the battle of Eindhoven.

The 90-year-old recalled how he and his comrades left Portsmouth Harbour by ship, and had to jump overboard onto the landing boats, because the see was too rough for the ship to dock.

Having reached France shortly after D-day, Mr Barlow and his men advanced through France into Belgium, before making their way to the Netherlands, where they fought off enemy soldiers.

He said: "It was terrible, it was just awful. When we came up to the Philips of Eindhoven the battle was awful."

Mr Barlow, of Silverdale Road in Earley, served in the infamous Market Garden operation as part of the 7th armour division, known as the Desert Rats, advancing on Eindhoven bridge before making his way through the Netherlands into Germany and eventually to Berlin.

The former senior railway officer, who lives with his wife Marion, received a letter last month from the French Embassy in London, telling him he had won the prestigious award.

"I had goose pimples when I read the letter," said Mr Barlow.

"I was so proud."

The letter read: "I have the pleasure of informing you that the President of the Republic has appointed you the rank of Chevalier in the Ordre 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.

The pair and their family have been invited to the French Embassy in London for an official ceremony to honour Mr Barlow's bravery.