Scots D-Day hero to get French civilian military award

A 91-YEAR-OLD war hero is to receive France's highest military award for civilians in recognition of his wartime role in the D-Day landings.

War hero Henry Bryce is to receive France's highest military award for civilians. Picture: SWNS

Henry Bryce, 91, was part of the 5th Escort group that held the record for sinking U-boats - starting his service at only 18.

The war veteran, from Greenock, Inverclyde, was a gunner on destroyer HMS Tyler during the historic invasion of Normandy in 1944, after allied troops invaded German-occupied France.

He is now set to receive France’s highest military award, the Légion d’Honneur, from Emmanuel Cocher, Consul General de France, at a ceremony in Paisley Town Hall next week.

Henry Bryce, as he looked during the war. Picture: SWNS

On average just 10 Brits receive the Légion d-Honneur each year - with five Scots, including Henry, set for the honour this year.

Henry - who said he was “pleased” about the medal - spent four years in the navy and vividly remembers his time in enemy-occupied France.

He said: “We laid a smoke-screen to protect troops and landing craft onto the beaches - the coastline was divided into Sword, Gold and Juno sections.

Henry Bryce, as he looked during the war. Picture: SWNS

“There were articulated sections laid to take the lorries on shore, then the weather broke up due to a force nine gale.

“These sections were blown all over the place and some bits were swept out into the Atlantic.

“We had to go out to protect them, as there were U-boats in the vicinity, and dropped depth charges.

“We spent a week or 10 days there and there was no food - the galley was closed because they were supplying us with ammunition.

“We survived on corned beef, or corned dog as we called it - I still can’t eat that to this day.

“There were ships all over the place and you were scared because you didn’t know what was going to happen.

“I was only 18 or 19, I was just a young boy.”

Already heavily honoured for his war efforts, the French medal will take pride of place alongside Henry’s others, which include the 1939-45 War Medal, 1939-1945 Star, France and Germany Star, Atlantic and Italian Stars.

Henry faced harrowing experiences in the line of duty - and recalled a particularly traumatic incident of watching dead German soldiers floating in the water after a bombing.

He said: “Twenty Germans jumped out into the water, they came to the surface floating.

“We asked if we should get the nest out to rescue but they were dead because the water was cold.

“We sunk three U-boats we know of and probably more.

“The 5th Escort Group was led by Commander Donald Mcintyre, had eight ships and they held the record for sinking U-boats.”

On the 70th anniversary of D-Day in June 2014, the French President announced that the distinction would be awarded to all British veterans who fought for the liberation of France during the Second World War.

And Henry, a grandfather-of-one, remains modest about his wartime role - and said he is thankful to still remember the times he served.

He said: “I don’t go for all that hero stuff.

“It was a long time ago and I’ve got some sad memories but I’m glad that I’ve got my memory.

“I know lots of people, young people in their 50s and 60s, who had dementia and have lost their memories.

“I’ve outlived all my mates.”

When asked the secret of his long life, Henry said: “There is no secret for longevity, some of the healthiest people die young, it’s the luck of the draw.”

Henry says he keeps his mind and body active by reading and going for a walk every day.

After the war he returned to work on the shipyards as a boiler maker.

He lost his beloved wife Peggy, aged only 55, some 30 years ago but is well looked after by his family - daughter Lynne, 48, sons Robert, 58, and Jim, 62, and he also has a granddaughter Claire, who is 36.

Henry’s family will be there at the ceremony on Wednesday to witness the presentation.

Daughter Lynne added: “I’m a bit shocked at how much he did in the war at such a young age.

“I never knew what he did until recently, he never spoke about it before.

“We’re very proud.”

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