A reminder of the sacrifices made to free Europe from the oppression of the Nazis has been given a new and permanent home.

Major Frederick Honeyman was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry when the Green Howards landed in Normandy on June 6, 1944.

But five days later he was killed as he tried to rescue some of the wounded men from his company who were trapped in a wood.

Now his medals and other memorabilia - including the telegram that gave his parents that tragic news of his death - have been presented to the Green Howards Museum at Richmond by his brother Stanley, from London.

Major Honeyman, from Middlesbrough, was commanding A Company of the 6th Battalion at La Riviere when he was earned the MC. He led an attack on an enemy position guarded by seven pillboxes and defended by soldiers throwing grenades over a six-foot wall.

Although he was hit in the arm and leg by splinters, his citation records how he 'restored the impetus of the attack and took the position, killing or capturing all the enemy'.

However on June 11 Major Honeyman was killed in action trying to rescue some wounded men from his company. Under severe enemy fire he went alone towards another British position to try to enlist help, but was shot. He now lies in the British Cemetery at Bayeux.

A letter sent to Major Honeyman's mother from his batman, Tom Harris, is also in the collection given to the museum.

Harris wrote: "He was not only my company commander, but also my best friend and he treated me more like his brother...at the most unfortunate moment he sent me back out of the way and considered my safety before his."

Museum curator Major Roger Chapman said: "Major Honeyman's actions on D-Day and in the short time afterwards were outstanding. With another Green Howard, Sergeant Major Stan Hollis, who won the only Victoria Cross awarded for action on D-Day, he represents the finest traditions of the regiment."