Kiwi veteran receives prestigious French honour

Of all the medals to adorn Penwill Moore's chest, the Medal of Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour is the most precious, he says.

The 94-year-old Wellington veteran received the honour at French Ambassador Laurent Contini's home in Thorndon tonight.

"I love France, it holds a special place in my heart," Mr Moore said.

The honour was be awarded for "eminent merits in service to the nation", Mr Contini said.

Mr Moore joined the Royal New Zealand Navy in 1941 and was involved in missions in the Atlantic, Iceland, Russia and Africa.

In 1944 he was appointed as navigational officer, responsible for the calibration of navigation instruments (swinging officer).

On D-Day, June 6 1944, he was the officer responsible for all the navigation instruments of the landing crafts destined for Juno beach at Normandy and for naval firefighter ships based at Littlehampton in Sussex, in the United Kingdom. Mr Contini said he was delighted to present Mr Penwill with the honour.

"One can only praise and admire the commitment and professional qualities he demonstrated when entrusted with great responsibilities in the preparation for the Battle of Normandy.

As part of the commemorations for the 70th anniversary of the battle of Normandy, France has undertaken a campaign of recognition of the veterans who fought in World War II as well as the civilians who worked in the shadows to facilitate the liberation.

In June, French President Francois Hollande officially appointed as Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour Sector Officer Phyllis Latour Doyle, Major Alan Davis, first-class ship-of-the-line ensign Penwill Moore, Captain Hugh Findlater, ship-of-the-line Lieutenant Neil Harton and Quartermaster Roger MacLean.

All six of the veterans have been recognised as having played a significant part in the battle of Normandy and the liberation of France alongside the Allied Forces.

When the beaches at Normandy were stormed, Mr Moore said he thought it could spark the liberation of the country.

"I had a funny feeling.

"I had also no doubt that we would get ashore in France, but I must admit, I didn't know if we would manage to stay or if we would be pushed back."

Receiving the medal for his serves was "incredible", he said.

"I don't deserve it. I was just doing my job."