'THE French people will never forget that you helped restore their freedom, and they will never forget your courage which is an example to all generations'.

So said the French Ambassador to the United Kingdom yesterday to two Oxford brothers, as he awarded them his country's highest military honour.

Presenting Stan and Bill Rhymes with their Legion d'Honneur medals, ambassador Jean Pierre Jouyet added: "Your actions will forever remain in our minds and in our hearts."

For the Marston brothers, who both fought to liberate France in June 1944, the ceremony at Oxford's Maison Française in Norham Road was the culmination of two lifetimes.

Older brother Bill, who at 96 still lives at home in Northway, said to the ambassador as the medal was pinned on his chest: "If I had my hat on, I would salute you."

Speaking to the Oxford Mail separately, he said: "This is the culmination of my life.

"We've both gone through the world and all its troubles, we had problems we faced, but ultimately we've reached the goal: this is the end goal."

Younger brother Stan, 94, who now lives at Green Gates Nursing Home in Summertown, added: "I feel honoured, of course: I was in D-Day, I was on the beaches in the landing craft, but I just say it was my duty."

Yesterday's ceremony was the result of more than a year of efforts by Stan's daughter Mandy Rodway, who lives in Headington.

She said that when she read in the Oxford Mail that France was looking to award the Legion d'Honneur to all British veterans who helped to liberate the country in the Second World War, she started making enquiries.

She explained: "It's about recognition, isn't it?

"I am proud when I go out with him wearing his medals and people who know what it means come up to him and thank him, and now France wants to thank him as well."

Although her father is quietly modest, Ms Rodway revealed that recently when they were out playing bowls in Oxford and someone asked him 'what did you do to deserve that medal?', he replied curtly: "I won the war."

Bill's daughter Pat Crofton – one of five daughters, three grandchildren and various other friends and family who attended yesterday's ceremony with him – said: "We're all so proud.

"He has always been the most modest person – he never talks about the blood or gore of war, and in fact I can't remember he has ever said anything negative."

Lord Mayor of Oxford Jean Fooks, also attending, said: "What is so nice is that we are able to have an official presentation.

"We are all joining in recognition of what they have done for their country."

After the ceremony, the Ambassador presented each of the brothers with a glass of French Champagne.

Asked how he felt to be a Chevalier, Bill said: "It feels different."