A D-Day veteran who was awarded France’s highest war honour last year has passed away.

Stanley Bond, 93, died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of the morning on January 19

The Second World War soldier lived in Gravesend all his life and Mayor Mick Wenban was keen to pay tribute.

“He was a well respected chap and one of the founders of the Gravesham Arts Council,” he said.

“He was a regular churchgoer and will be missed by us all.”

Chairman of the arts council, Claire Brown, followed the mayor in paying tribute to the veteran.

“Stan was a founder of Gravesham Arts Council, a trustee and a very active committee member until recently, when – due to ill health – he was able to participate only when his health allowed,” she said.

“He will be greatly missed.”

Mr Bond proudly received the National Order of the Legion of Honour in October, in recognition of his military service in the liberation of France during the Second World War.

The French Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sylvie Bermann, wrote personally to him at the time of his award.

“I offer you my warmest congratulations on this high honour in recognition of your acknowledged military engagement and your steadfast involvement in the Liberation of France during the Second World War,” she wrote.

“As we contemplate this Europe of peace, we must never forget the heroes like you, who came from Britain to the Commonwealth to begin the liberation of Europe by liberating France.

“We owe our freedom and security to your dedication, because you were ready to risk your life.”

Mr Bond had been living with his son Richard at the time of his death, but also attended the day centre at Gravesend’s ellenor hospice in Coldharbour Road.

Nurse Tricia Plumb said the hospice was proud of Mr Bond and described his time in their care as “a privilege”, with his family keen to thank the hospice for their support during his final years.

His daughter, Christine, said: “We would like to say thank you to the hospice, they have been very supportive.

“He was a very family oriented man. He missed my mother Muriel over the last year or so after she died, they had been married for 68 years.

“He was born in Gravesend, grew up in Gravesend, worked for the council, set up the arts council. He met royalty. He had such a varied life in the local community.”

Stanley will be cremated at Medway Crematorium at 11am on February 11.

His funeral follows at 12.15pm at Christ Church in Old Road East, Gravesend.

The Bond family are also accepting donations in memory of Stanley, with all proceeds going to the ellenor hospice.

You can donate at funeralzone.co.uk/obituaries/14130.