A D-Day veteran from Somersham received his medals last Friday – almost 70 years after the Second World War.

Cecil Isham, 86, of Springfield Road, discovered he was entitled to four medals after joining the Huntingdon branch of the Merchant Navy Association.

Mr Isham served in the Merchant Navy on boats regularly targeted by Nazi U-boats. He also served on the MV Samsip which carried out almost 20 trips to Juno Beach, as part of the Normandy landings.

Despite breaking his hip seven weeks ago and having to get temporarily released from hospital, Mr Isham, who has two daughters, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, made it to Pathfinder House in Huntingdon to collect his medals.

Daughters Janet and Elaine saw him receive the Service Medal 1939/45, Atlantic Star, Italy Star and the Atlantic Star with German and French Clasp.

David Collings, Mr Isham’s son-in-law whose research helped to secure the medals, said: “The main drive to get his medals was for his daughters and grandchildren. He didn’t think he was entitled to any after the war and like many never claimed them.

“No-one should forget their sacrifice and I would encourage other families to seek recognition for their brave grandparents who served.”