Sunday’s was one of several ceremonies hosted by the Museum since the French President announced that the Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur, would be awarded to all British veterans who fought for the liberation of France during the Second World War, specifically, veterans who had taken part in military operations in France between 1944 and 1945.
The Légion d’Honneur was presented to the veterans on behalf of the French Government by the French Consul to Yorkshire, Mr Jeremy Burton and Colonel Bruno Cunat, who is the French Liaison Officer to the Ministry of Defence, based in London.
As each man rose to his feet in front of the assembled audience of families, military officers and York dignitaries, there was an instinctive snap to attention as the citation was read out and Colonel Cunat pinned the Legion d’Honneur to his chest. It may well be many decades since the Normandy landings and the subsequent struggle to free France, but for these men, this ceremony must have brought back memories of that time and of the comrades that are no longer with us. For one veteran in particular, Willie Riley from Brighouse, there was the additional celebration of his 98th birthday.
The ceremony complete, a quite spontaneous standing ovation broke out, the audience rose to their feet as one and applauded these great men. As ever, they were much in demand for interviews by the national and regional media, before taking some time to pose for family photographs. As they waited around, the veterans chatted amongst each other and it was quite clear to anyone observing that, while they may well be of advanced years, inside they are still made of the same spirit that carried them through those times and gave us the peace that we enjoy today.
Museum Director, Ian Reed, commented: “This is a historic and increasingly rare event with these very special people who represent a fast decreasing number of veterans from a period of our past history which still affects us to this day. It was as we were expecting, a very emotional time for all the veterans, as they remember many lost colleagues and friends, but a day also of pride, particularly for the many family members supporting them on this special day. The applause for each veteran in turn, and indeed the spontaneous standing ovation was warm, heartfelt and thoroughly deserved.”
Congratulations to all, what an honour. My father in law Ron Clarkson from Albury, Australia, of 158 Sqn. Friday the 13th, DFC, recently received his Legion of Honour Medal, how proud we are. Would have been amazing for him to receive it with others at Yorkshire Air Museum, but of course at his age now, just turned 98 not possible. Ron along with our family send best wishes to everyone at the ceremony. Sue Clarkson. Albury. Australia.
Congratulations to all on receiving this award.
I found this article whilst researching my fathers war records , it was so great to see one of my fathers comrades Mr Willie Riley of the 34th Field Dressing Station being honoured and cerebrating his 98th Birthday , I would dearly like to know more about their landing as my father was injured his military records show he received multiple gunshot wounds.
My father did say he believed he was blown up in a Jeephe was
Sorry for the partial posting above .
My father said he was blown up whilst driving a Jeep , his records show this was on the 6th June 1944 .
My late father was Francis ‘ Frank’ Robertson , like a lot of his compatriots my father never really spoke of his experiences.