AN 89-YEAR-OLD Newton Abbot war veteran has received a medal from the French Ambassador for his involvement in liberating France during the second world war.

Edgar Baker, of Waltham Road, was surprised after a parcel with the medal and a letter of thanks was delivered a few weeks ago from the French Embassy in London.

The letter said ‘we congratulate you in recognition of your acknowledged engagement and steadfast involvement in the liberation of France during world war two’.

Mr Baker, who was born in the neighbouring house, attended Highweek Senior School where he fell in love with his future wife, Vera.

The couple spent hours dancing the night away at St Mary’s Church and the Ambulance Hall before Mr Baker took part in the assault of Sword Beach, France, during the D-Day landings.

Before being drafted up for battle in the second world war, Mr Baker joined the Devon regiment at the age of 17 and then moved on to the Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry in Cornwall.

After the war and discharge Mr Baker joined the Merchant Navy where he travelled the world. But it was shortlived as his school sweetheart told him they weren’t getting married unless he left, because she didn’t know what he was up to and where he was.

After he left the Merchant Navy Mr Baker landed himself a job at Zealley’s builders before marrying Vera in 1950 at Highweek Church.

But sadly, 27 years into their marriage, Vera suffered a stroke and was taken into a home. She died from pneumonia four days later in Torbay Hospital.

The couple adopted three girls, who live in west Devon with their families and pay frequent visits to Mr Baker.

Mr Baker has always been involved in the community in Newton Abbot, having been the grandmaster in the Court Leet and escorting people around the town’s St Leonard’s Clock Tower.

Mr Baker has received previous medals from the British Army for his action during the war, which are on display at the town’s museum.