FIVE British veterans have received France’s highest military honour for their role in liberating the country during the Second World War.
The four men and one woman, all in their nineties, include an Enigma codebreaker who operated Alan Turing’s machines, a soldier who once captured 12 Germans and a cameraman who filmed the landing at Normandy on D-Day.
Albert Avann, 93, from Robertsbridge joined Ruth Bourne, 92, from north London, Joseph Randall, 95, from Devon, Alfred Hicks, 93, from Dorset, and Thomas Stonehouse, 92, to be presented with their Legion of Honour (Legion d’honneur) medals in a ceremony at the French ambassador’s residence in London yesterday.
“It is a very great honour for me to recognise and express our country’s heartfelt gratitude to each of you, who helped liberate France during the Second World War,” Ambassador Jean-Pierre Jouyet said. The French authority was able to count on the support of its closest partner from the very first hours of the war. So long life to the French and British friendship.”
He presented the veterans with medals and kissed them on both cheeks before the French and British national anthems were played.
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