A SECOND World War veteran who helped land ammunition, food and supplies on the Normandy beaches during the D-Day landings celebrated his 100th birthday in Cwmbran.

Peter Lionel Horn celebrated the landmark occasion with friends, family and neighbours on Friday, October 14.

Mr Horn was born in Newport, and had two brothers and three sisters.

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He joined the army in 1941, serving in the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) – assigned to 154 Brigade of the 51st Highland Division – in North Africa and Sicily prior to the Normandy landings.

He landed in France on Sword Beach four days after D-Day, and was charged with getting ammunition and other supplies to advancing troops.

South Wales Argus: Peter Horn during active service.Peter Horn during active service.

He was then part of the advance through France and into Germany, supplying front line personnel with food, ammunition, fuel and equipment.

After the war, Mr Horn worked for Hoover for 25 years.

He was awarded the Légion d’Honneur in Cardiff in 2017 for his service during the Normandy landings.

The French government has been awarding the Légion d’Honneur to D-Day veterans from many different countries for several years, as a means of honouring and thanking those who fought and risked their lives to liberate France from German occupation during the Second World War.

Mike Kenworthy, a friend who helped Mr Horn with his application for the Legion d’Honneur, accompanied him to the ceremony.

“It is well deserved and Peter is really looking forward to it,” Mr Kenworthy said ahead of the ceremony.

To mark his 100th birthday, children from Milton and Glasllwch primary schools, and Rogerstone and Highcross residents sent cards to Mr Horn – who also received his birthday card from the Queen.

South Wales Argus: Local schoolchildren sent cards to Peter Horn for his 100th birthday.Local schoolchildren sent cards to Peter Horn for his 100th birthday.

Debra Hughes also made a birthday cake, decorated with edible poppies, and gifted it to Mr Horn.

Mr Horn thanked those who sent him well wishes on his birthday, and said that he hoped to visit the schools to thank the children in person when possible.

That evening, a party was held at the Celtic Manor for Mr Horn. There, wartime songs were played throughout the evening, before a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday’.