John Gowan took part in the Anzio Landing and was given the award by the people of the coastal town as a thank you for his part in its liberation.

Known as Jukebox Johnny to his friends, Mr Gowan played piano accordion in a concert group which toured West Yorkshire in the 1950s and 60s. He even accompanied Freddie and the Dreamers singer Freddie Garritty during an impromptu performance in a Bradford Road pub when drinkers demanded a song.

Born in Westtown in 1913, Mr Gowan grew up in a large family and attended Dewsbury Central School. He followed in his father and grandfather's footsteps to become a rag-and-bone man before a working in various mills, including Firth's and Oldroyd's.

A member of St John's Ambulance, Mr Gowan served in the Royal Army Medical Corps during the war when he was stationed in Italy, North Africa and France. He also took part in the Normandy Landings, landing on the beaches twice after taking injured soldiers out to the safety of waiting boats.

The day after he returned from the war, Mr Gowan married his sweetheart Emma who passed away in 1974. Together the couple fostered Janis Ellen who they took in as a baby and raised as their own.

In 1976, Mr Gowan married the late Emily Rudderforth, his wife of 29 years, and became a step-father to her daughter Christine.

After a brief spell as an orderly at Beech Towers in Staincliffe shortly after the war, Mr Gowan returned to work in the mills and was an ice-cream man for Crossley's when he retired.

A collector of war memorabilia and a crown green bowler, Mr Gowan had a keen interest in local history and sport. Mr Gowan, of Tentercroft Court, Dewsbury, died peacefully in hospital on January 20.

His funeral was held at Dewsbury Moor Crematorium on Monday when a collection was made for Help for Heroes.

He will be greatly missed by Christine, his son-in-law David and all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.