A 103-year-old veteran was awarded his World War Two medals at a special ceremony yesterday (Monday, September 23).

Basil Smith, who was born in February 1921, received the honours at Bethania Chapel in Upper Tumble.

Basil lived in the Gwendreath valley village most of his life and got his medals 80 years after serving as a Sergeant in the Royal Air Force stationed in Iraq and the Eastern Mediterranean.

Basil congratulated by Armed Force Champion for Carmarthenshire Phillip Hughes.Basil congratulated by Armed Force Champion for Carmarthenshire Phillip Hughes. (Image: Stuart Ladd) Basil chats with current RAF Flight Sergeant Dyfan Pearce.Basil chats with current RAF Flight Sergeant Dyfan Pearce. (Image: Stuart Ladd) Basil pictured with Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed Sara Edwards.Basil pictured with Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed Sara Edwards. (Image: Stuart Ladd) Basil was a guest of honour at the event. Basil was a guest of honour at the event. (Image: Stuart Ladd) The veteran wearing his medals at the ceremony. The veteran wearing his medals at the ceremony. (Image: Stuart Ladd) Another local veteran Lyndon Davies contacted the Ministry of Defence Medals Office to organise the event and Buckingham Palace to tell Basil’s story.

The event was attended by civic dignitaries, local veterans, representatives from the RAF and members of the local community.

A guard of honour included Royal British Legion flag bearers and ceremonial Halberdiers from South Wales Police.

Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed, Sara Edwards presented Basil with the World War 2 1939-1945 medal, the Defence Medal and the Armed Forces veterans badge.

World War 2 veteran 99 year old Idwal Davies at the Ceremony.World War 2 veteran 99 year old Idwal Davies at the Ceremony. (Image: Stuart Ladd) 102-year-old World War 2 veteran Neville Bowen with Idwal Davies.102-year-old World War 2 veteran Neville Bowen with Idwal Davies. (Image: Stuart Ladd) There was a guard of honour from Royal British Legion flag bearers and Halberdiers from South Wales Police.There was a guard of honour from Royal British Legion flag bearers and Halberdiers from South Wales Police. (Image: Stuart Ladd) The ceremony took place at Bethania Chapel in Upper Tumble.The ceremony took place at Bethania Chapel in Upper Tumble. (Image: Stuart Ladd) The screen told the story.The screen told the story. (Image: Stuart Ladd) During the event Basil spoke after receiving his medals, his sense humour shone through.

He also mentioned the key to a long life which for Basil involved playing tennis for 95 years.

One other notable part of the event was the attendance of two other World War 2 veterans namely 102 years Neville Bowen and 99-year-old Idwal Davies.