A MAN from Maldon was among those who took part in the historic D-Day landings.

Ronald Baker, of Maldon took part in the sea invasion 79 years ago.

The World War II veteran served as a Commando and took part in the D-Day landings as a Marine Commando at Sword Beach.

After fighting in France and Germany he was recalled to the UK to HMS Jackdaw, out of Scotland.

He was then sent to the Far East, travelling on HMS Orion, to take part in the clearing of Japanese held islands.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Maldon man: Ron and MaureenMaldon man: Ron and Maureen (Image: SSAFA)

After this he was stationed at HMS Golden Hind, in Australia, to await deployment.

This was cut down by the American bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the defeat and surrender of the Japanese. Ron returned to the UK and was demobbed in 1946.

He has since been supported by the SSAFA Armed Forces Charity when the stairs outside his home deteriorated so badly that he and his wife couldn’t get in and out of their home.

The charity stepped in the assist with the cost of replacement access.

He lives in an upstairs flat in Maldon, where the wooden stairs had deteriorated.

Don Duncan, SSAFA Essex divisional secretary said: “Ron lives with his wife Maureen in an upstairs flat in Maldon.

“Access to the flat was via wooden stairs on the outside of the building, which had deteriorated beyond use, and Ron sought our help in getting them replaced.

“We were able to fund raise £6,842 for the replacement.

"It has been a long road, but the Builders, Bakers of Danbury, have just completed the stairs to a very high standard and kindly agreed to do the work ‘at cost’.”