A World War II veteran has travelled to Normandy to mark the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Ronald Jones, who lives in Newbridge, has made the trip to the French region with his son, Leigh.
Mr Jones, 95, is one of 300 veterans who will make the trip across the English Channel, which has been organised by the Royal British Legion.
June 6 marks 75 years since 156,000 allied troops landed in Normandy.
Part of Operation Overlord, the landings were the largest seaborne invasion in history with 7,000 ships involved.
Mr Jones was called up to the army when he was 19-years-old and was a member of the Second Platoon 17th Field Company Royal Engineers.
This unit was part of the 185 Brigade, which was one of the three brigades that made up the Third British Infantry Division, which spearheaded the D-Day operation.
Speaking before the trip, Mr Jones, who lives at Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Highfield Court Sheltered Housing Scheme, said: “I am truly honoured and privileged to be attending this event as so many other past service men applied.
“I would like to thank my son Leigh for surprising me by putting forward an application. I had no knowledge that he had made the application until I received a letter informing me about this event. I was very overwhelmed and thankful to my son for doing this for me.
“Thank you must also be extended for the co-operation of Royal British Legion Newbridge branch and for the support received from my Sheltered Housing Officer, Kelly Rossiter.”
A spokesperson from the Royal British Legion said: “75 years ago, the largest seaborne invasion force in history set sail for France on a mission to liberate Europe. Alongside their American cousins, Mr Jones was one of almost 160,000 men from Britain and the Commonwealth who landed on the beaches of Normandy.
“Today we stand in awe of their achievement and salute their bravery and sacrifice. We look forward to welcoming Mr Jones on board The Royal British Legion ship to commemorate this significant anniversary.”
Cllr Andy Whitcombe, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Armed Forces Champion said: “I think this is a tremendous recognition of Mr Jones’ commitment and bravery during those darkest days. I would like to add my congratulations and wish him and his son a fantastic trip.”
Cllr Lisa Phipps, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Homes and Places said: “I would like to say congratulations to Mr Jones for being invited to attend this trip. It is a huge honour to attend and from all of us at the council, we hope you enjoy this remembrance event as one of many courageous individuals that served for our country.”
Another Normandy veteran spoke of his experiences of D-Day to Caerphilly Observer earlier this year when he celebrated his 95th birthday.
Speaking in March this year, Melville John Wintle, who lives in Caerphilly, told Caerphilly Observer: “I was one of the lucky ones. When I landed, they had got the first Mulberry harbour so I didn’t have to get my feet wet.
“I was lucky not being a combat soldier – I was never on the frontline fighting like the others.
“It’s the people who didn’t come back who are the real heroes.”
During his time in Normandy Mr Wintle spent time at Caen prison repairing vehicles.
After the war, he spent time in Germany and was there during the Berlin airlift.
In 2015, Mr Wintle became the first veteran from South Wales to receive the Legion d’Honneur – the highest honour issued by France for military conduct.