A WAR veteran has finally been rewarded for his bravery in liberating France with the presentation of a L gion d Honneur medal. The award the highest order awarded in France was delivered to Sydney Henderson 70 years after he helped to defeat the German occupation. The 91-year-old, from Redcar, is humble about his wartime achievements while serving with a number of regiments throughout the Second World War. The pensioner started his career with the Durham Light Infantry before moving onto the Green Howards1 and serving with other regiments including the King’s Own Scottish Borderers. He said: “It is good to receive recognition for what we did 70 years ago but we have been waiting a very long time.
But seriously, I’m really proud to receive the medal.”
As well as fighting in France, the veteran saw action in Belgium and Holland including fighting in the Battle of Arnhem in December, 1944. He added: “When I joined it was with the Durham Light Infantry and within a few weeks I was transferred to the Green Howards before moving again to the King’s Own Scottish Borderers because there wasn’t enough Green Howards left in the unit.”
After helping to liberate France, Mr Henderson continued to serve during the war and ended up operating in Gibraltar once the war had ended in 1945. The French Ambassador’s letter that accompanied his Chevalier medal in the Order National de la Legion D’Honneur, paid tribute to his war efforts.
It read: “I offer you my warmest congratulations on this high honour in recognition of your acknowledged military engagement and your steadfast involvement in the Liberation of France during the Second World War.
“As we contemplate this Europe of peace, we must never forget the heroes like you, who came from Britain and the Commonwealth to begin the liberation of Europe by liberating France.
We owe our freedom and security to your dedication, because you were ready to risk your life.”
References
- ^ Green Howards (www.thenorthernecho.co.uk)