'We have a lot to thank Les for': 'True hero' D-Day veteran dies aged 99

A 'true hero' Second World War veteran who landed in France on D-Day ahead of the Allied liberation of occupied Europe has died aged 99. Touching tributes are being paid to Les Brown after his recent passing.

Les, who it's understood passed away peacefully last month, served with the Royal Marines after enrolling into the military aged just 17.

He was one of the first ashore at Normandy, France, on D-Day, June 6, 1944, as part of Operation Neptune - the codename for the amphibious assault and the naval component of Operation Overlord, the larger operation to invade Nazi-occupied north-west Europe.

Part of Les's role involved mapping out the Normandy beaches for other soldiers to navigate after they landed.

Town hall bosses and the Royal British Legion have issued loving tributes, saying his 'spirit and outstanding service will live on forever'.

Les, from the Hare Hill area of Littleborough in Rochdale, was believed to be Rochdale's oldest member of the Armed Forces, added the council.

A council spokesperson said: "Les's passing is a poignant moment as the council and Armed Forces communities prepare to mark the 80th anniversary of the Second World War ending."

Decorated Les was also awarded the highest distinction in France's order of chivalry, the Legion d'Honneur, for his bravery and service on and after D-Day. The medal was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 as a military order of merit.

John 'Jock' Mooney, chairman of the Rochdale branch of the Royal British Legion, paid touching tribute to him.

He said: "Les was a true hero and a key part of the Allied liberation of France and western Europe. His loss has been felt across the Armed Forces community, but his spirit and outstanding service will live on forever.

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