ONE OF Eastleigh’s oldest D-Day heroes was honoured for the sacrifices he made during the Second World War.

Due to ill health Harry Gerrard, 89, was unable to attend a special ceremony earlier this year to receive his Veterans’ badge.

So after making a good recovery, Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne dropped in to see Harry at Fleming House Nursing Home, surrounded by his family, to present him with his award.

Harry was a gunner in the Heavy Anti-Aircraft regiment and in action on June 9, 1944, arriving at the beachhead at 5am in daylight.

Mr Huhne said: “It’s a privilege for me to honour Harry Gerrard for all his brave service at a key time in our history and I am glad to be able to visit him since he was unable to come to our civic ceremony in the summer.”