Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
War veteran Denis given a top medal
Remembrance Sunday honour
An Airdr ie war veteran awarded France’s top medal of distinction was fittingly presented with the honour on Remembrance Sunday.
Denis Gregson officially received his Legion d’Honneur accolade from Rear Admiral Patrick Chevallereau, the French defence attache to the UK, at an important monument.
The presentation took place at the historic Free French memorial on the Lyle Hill viewpoint in Greenock, as part of a commemorative service marking 70 years since its unveiling.
Relative soft he 92-year-old successfully applied for the honour on his behalf after French government officials announced that the medal would be awarded to all British veterans who helped secure the country’s liberation during World War II.
Denis served as a corporal in the Royal Marines during the conflict and aged just 19, was the coxswain in charge of a landing craft with a crew of six on D-Day.
He previously told the Advertiser of his wartime experiences, and added: “Let us not forget the people of Normandy, who were bombed for 24 hours; and those who died on June 6 1944 on their freedom day.”
Accompanying him to the prestigious ceremony at the historic memorial – combining the Cross of Lorraine, the Free French emblem, with an anchor – were five relatives and friends including his daughter, Gillian Toal.
She said: “It was a brilliant occasion. The French officials made a big fuss of him and I don’t think they could believe he was 92!
“He’s delighted with the honour and the whole thing has been fantastic for him.
“He has been overwhelmed by it all and by people’s reaction since it was announced that he’d be receiving the Legion d’Honneur medal.”