Veterans gathered today to pay tribute to Major John Howard, who masterminded the daring glider raid on Pegasus Bridge for soldiers in the D-Day landings.

The wreath-laying ceremony for Major Howard, at his grave in Clifton Hampden, near Abingdon, first took place in 2014 to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day.

Veterans from the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry gathered for the third year running, at St Michael and All Angels Church, to remember the former Oxford city policeman who led 2nd Battalion D Company to secure two bridges over the Caen Canal.

Frank Hall, 93, from Stonesfield, near Witney, was a private in the 52nd Ox and Bucks and arrived on Sword Beach shortly after John Howard’s men secured the bridges.

He said: “I came here last year and I’m very pleased to be here – I think I’m the only D-Day veteran here – I’m glad I could make it to represent the others who couldn’t be here today.”

The father-of-two lives with wife Jean, 86, and has two children, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

He added: “I’m very lucky that I’m healthy enough to come – and my son Stephen makes sure I can get here.”

Stephen, 61, from Banbury, said: “Of course there are fewer and fewer veterans every year so it’s a poignant occasion.”

Wreaths were laid by the Oxford branch of the Royal Green Jackets Association, at Major Howard’s grave and at the war memorial inside the church and a service for about 40 people was conducted at the graveside by Rev Paul Cawthorne.

Chairman of the Oxford branch of the association Terry Roper said: “By gathering here each year we shall never forget the bravery and sacrifice made by the allied forces.

“The action at Pegasus Bridge denied the German army a route to threaten the beach landings.”

Major Howard retired to Burcot near Abingdon after the war with his wife Joy, and following his death, aged 86 in 1999, was buried at St Michael and All Angels Church in Clifton Hampden.