A NANTWICH first world war hero has been honoured by the French government days before his 100th birthday.

Lifelong Dabber Frank Penlington was presented with France's highest accolade, the Legion d'Honneur medal, at his home last Wednesday.

As the only surviving 1914-18 veteran from the Crewe and Nantwich area, he accepted the award on behalf of all who fought in France.

Frank, a former cabinet maker with Mather's of Nantwich, crossed the channel with the 18th Battalion Welsh Regiment in 1916, and fought in a host of battles including:

Battle of Ancre

German retreat to the Hindenburg Line

Capture of the 15th Ravine, Villers Plouich, Beaucamp and la Vacquerie

Capture of Boulon Wood, battle of Cambrai

Battle of St Quentin

First battle of Bapaume, Somme

Battle of Estaires, Battle of the Lys

Battle of Hazebrouck

Mr Penlington was briefly hospitalised during his service in France but bravely returned to the front.

Son David said the French government had decided to award all survivors of the war as a final gesture to all those who fought in it.

"He was very proud to receive the medal and he understands the significance of it, and that he's receiving it on behalf of all the other people involved in the war, " he said.

"It's an amazing period that he has lived through and there are now five generations in his family. He was born at 10 Park View, Nantwich and has lived in the town all his life", he added.

Mr Penlington, whose wife Edith died in 1975, celebrates his century landmark on January 19 at home with family and friends.

"It's a fairly small house he lives in and it will be a problem fitting everyone in, because he's got a lot of friends and family," said David.

John Slack, secretary of the Nantwich and district British Legion, said the branch had arranged the presentation which was made by chairman Alex Chadwick.

"It's a very high honour and we are very proud to have Mr Penlington in our branch," he said.

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