A MUSSELBURGH Second World War veteran launched an art exhibition at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh last Thursday.

Dr Tom Renouf’s portrait features in the display The Last of the Tide, which pays tribute to the men that played a role in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944.

The exhibition was commissioned by HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay, following his attendance at the 70th anniversary commemoration of the Allied invasion of Normandy, which took place in France in 2014.

Dr Renouf, 90, served as a private and later a lieutenant with the 5th Battalion Black Watch.

He landed on the third day of the invasion, taking part in the battle for high ground around Breville. He was part of the 51st Highland Division who rescued the 8th Battalion of the Parachute Regiment.

He has been honoured for his bravery, receiving both the Military Medal for helping to liberate France and the Legion d’Honneur – France’s highest military award.

The largest amphibious invasion in history, the D-Day landings involved some 7,700 ships and 12,000 aircraft, and led to the liberation of German-occupied France.

On the eve of D-Day, General Eisenhower sent a message to all troops in which he declared: “The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!”

Dr Renouf’s portrait, painted by Scottish artist Clara Drummond, is one of 12 which will hang in the palace until March 28.

Prior to that, the portraits were unveiled at Buckingham Palace in London when Dr Renouf, who was accompanied by his wife Kathleen, son George and daughter-in-law Karen, met the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.

Last Thursday, Dr Renouf was the sole veteran at the launch reception in Edinburgh. Out of the 12 men, three were from Scotland, he said.

He urged the public to visit the exhibition, saying: “It is the only opportunity for people to go and see the exhibition and find out the story behind it.”

The portraits, which are part of the Royal Collection, will go on display at the Black Watch Museum in Perth later in the year.

HRH The Duke of Rothesay said: “I am delighted to introduce this exhibition of portraits of veterans of the D-Day landings and very much hope that all who see it will share my belief that this wonderful collection of paintings captures the spirit, resolve, warmth and humanity of these remarkable men.

“It seemed to me a tragedy that there were no portraits of D-Day veterans, hence this collection of remarkable old soldiers from the regiments of which my wife and I are Colonel or Colonel-in-Chief.”

The exhibition has been put together by The Royal Drawing School in collaboration with Royal Collection Trust. Catherine Goodman, artistic director at The Royal Drawing School, said: “This is a wonderful exhibition that brings together portraits of extraordinary people.”