Special military escort for 100-year-old war veteran Fred Adamson

Fred Adamson was given a lift in a Second World War-era Jeep from his home in Conisbrough to the celebration at the village’s cricket club.

Fred reached the rank of lance corporal in the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, which was part of the 49th West Riding Infantry Division know as the Polar Bears.

He served in Iceland, Normandy, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany during the war and was awarded Legion d’Honneur in 2016 for his part in the liberation of France.

On arriving at the venue, he was saluted by six military buglers and standard bearers from his regiment and the Royal British Legion and greeted by civic guests including Mayor of Doncaster Ros Jones and the council’s deputy civic mayor, Cllr Paul Wray.

His grandson Philip Knight said: “He was overwhelmed by it all and really enjoyed it.”

Fred, who turned 100 on Friday, was visited on his birthday by John Breckin, Rotherham United’s community ambassador, and presented with a Millers shirt.

He has five children by his late wife Elsie, who died in 2015, as well as 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Philip said he was proud of his war service and had been invited in June on the Royal British Legion’s D-Day and Normandy 75th anniversary.

“He wanted to return once again to Normandy as it was probably the last opportunity to do so given his age and the importance to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure peace and freedom,” said Philip.

“He was also able to visit the beaches, Sword and Gold, having landed on Gold on D-Day plus 4, and the division memorial.

“He was also at the commemorative events in Portsmouth, where numerous world leaders attended.”