D-Day veteran Gordon Prime is to meet up with relatives of one of his former comrades after recounting his own war story as part of the 70th anniversary commemorations of the invasion of Europe.

As the Western Telegraph reported, 90-year-old Mr Prime, of Jameston, recently travelled to the beaches of Normandy to take part in the events arranged to mark the anniversary. There he was one of just 22 Second World War veterans chosen to be presented with France's highest decoration, the Legion d'Honneur.

A motorcycle despatch rider with 89 Company of the Royal Army Service Corps, Mr Prime lost six of his close comrades in the war. Amongst them was his 'number one pal', Bert Tinscombe, killed Just 10 days before the end of hostilities.

The pair had tossed a coin to see who would ride in which direction and it was Bert who rode the route that led him to his death.

Happily surviving the war with Mr Prime was an older soldier named Tommy Mason from mid Wales, who died several years ago. His son and grandson contacted Mr Prime after he told his story on Welsh television, and have now arranged to meet up with him.

"I remember Tommy Mason very well, and even have a photo of the two of us together, but I had never been able to contact him over the years," said Mr Prime, who was the founder and chairman of the now-disbanded Pembrokeshire Normandy Veterans' Association.

Tommy, who was also a veteran of Dunkirk, was the driver to the adjutant of 89 Company, but spoke little of his war experiences.

Added Mr Prime: "I hope I'll be able to fill in a few gaps of his family's knowledge. I was thrilled to hear from them, and they are coming down on Saturday to shake my hand and buy me a beer!".