A HEROIC D-Day veteran was today honoured with a standing ovation as he told the story of his WW2 bravery 75 years on.

John Jenkins, 99, gave a moving speech at the D-Day commemoration ceremony in Portsmouth.

7 John Jenkins, 99, on stage at the D-Day commemoration ceremony in Portsmouth Credit: Getty Images - Getty

7 Mr Jenkins got a standing ovation from the crowd including the Queen Credit: �UK Ministry of Defence CROWN COPYRIGHT, 2019 This image may be used for current news purp

As he walked on to the stage, the entire crowd - including the Queen, Prince Charles, Donald Trump and Theresa May - rose to honour him.

Mr Jenkins was a 24-year-old platoon sergeant in the Pioneer Corps when he landed in Normandy on June 8, 1944.

He was deployed on Gold Beach, one of the five landing points on the French coast where Allied troops launched their operations.

Mr Jenkins, from Portsmouth, told the crowd: "I was terrified. I think everyone was - you don't show it, but it's there.

"I look back on it as a big part of my life, it changed me in a way - but I was just a small part in a very big machine.

"You never forget your comrades because we were all in there together."

You never forget your comrades John Jenkins

The veteran concluded: "It's right that the courage and sacrifice of so many veterans is being honoured 75 years on. We must never forget - thank you."

Mr Jenkins joined the army in 1940 aged just 20. After the Normandy landing he pushed on through France and Germany then helped to liberate the Fallingbostel concentration camp in Germany.

Following the war, Mr Jenkins worked as a bus driver then as a crane operator at the Portsmouth naval base.

He continued to serve in the Territorial Army for many years, rising to the rank of Company Sergeant Major and being awarded the MBE.

The pensioner is a lifelong fan of Portsmouth FC and has volunteered at the team's ground for decades.

In a recent interview, he said his message to future generations would be simply: "Let's have no more wars."

Mr Jenkins spoke today towards the end of an hour-long ceremony in Portsmouth celebrating the service of the Allied troops who helped liberate Europe on D-Day.

The Queen closed the event with a speech saying: "When I attended the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings, some thought it might be the last such event.

The Queen speaks at ceremony in Portsmouth as part of D-Day 75th anniversary commemorations

Wonderful that my first meeting of the day is with John Jenkins MBE. I’ve known him as a host at @officialpompey but 75 years ago he was a platoon sergeant with the Pioneer Corps. He landed on D-Day +2. Have an amazing day John and thank you from all of us. 🇬🇧 #DDay75 pic.twitter.com/D5bH0qiOKA — Penny Mordaunt (@PennyMordaunt) June 5, 2019

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"But the wartime generation - my generation - is resilient, and I am delighted to be with you in Portsmouth today."

It is the last formal part of Mr Trump's state visit to the UK before he leaves the country later today.

Tomorrow world leaders including the President and Mrs May will be in Normandy meeting D-Day veterans on the exact 75th anniversary of the landings.

'Never forget': Veteran's emotional speech in full I was 12 years old - sorry, 24 years old, I rolled my age back a bit - when I landed on Gold Beach. I was terrified. I think everyone was - you don't show it, but it's there. I look back on it as a big part of my life, it changed me in a way - but I was just a small part in a very big machine. I'm honoured to be stood here today in from of many other veterans. You never forget your comrades because we were all in there together. It's right that the courage and sacrifice of so many veterans is being honoured 75 years on. We must never forget - thank you.

7 Mr Jenkins took part in the Normandy landings Credit: AFP or licensors

7 The veteran read out his speech on stage Credit: supplied by Pixel8000

7 An emotional veteran attending the ceremony Credit: AP:Associated Press

7 Theresa May read out a letter from a British serviceman Credit: AP:Associated Press

​Sheridan ​Smith​ performs for crowds at a D-day ceremony in Portsmouth

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