Normandy tank hero honoured by French
A SECOND World War veteran has spoken of the terror he felt during the battle for Normandy as he was awarded France’s highest military honour.
A special ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, near Tamworth, saw 93-year-old veteran Trooper Rowland F Edwards presented with the Legion d’Honneur medal by JeanClaude Lafontaine, an Honorary Consul of France.
The medal was awarded to Mr Edwards, who was born and still lives in Stafford, in recognition of his contribution to the liberation of France during the war which saw him serving with the 29th Armoured Brigade HQ 11th Armoured Division.
Trooper Edwards landed at Juno Beach in Normandy in a Sherman tank shortly after D-Day in June 1944.
He was responsible for ensuring the safe progress of the tank across the beach towards Cully, in pursuit of its main objective, which was to capture a point called Hill 112 as the Allies advanced towards Caen.
But the chaos and danger saw the main tank driver suffer a nervous breakdown – and Trooper Edwards was unexpectedly promoted to the role of lead driver.
The fight to capture Caen raged for six weeks from June to August, 1944 and the scars of the battle are still evident to those who visit the area today.
Several of the 330-plus memorials at the Alrewas arboretum commemorate the sacrifice of those who served in the war, including the Normandy Veterans memorial which features five stones, one for each of the landing beaches – Utah, Omaha, Gold, Sword and Juno.
Trooper Edwards said: “Life in the army was not easy and I witnessed many terrible things, but I wouldn’t change a minute of it.
“My time serving was an important part of my life, and while I sometimes found the experience terrifying, I had the opportunity to meet so many people and learn many things.”
He added: “I would like to thank the French government for this medal.”
National Memorial Arboretum spokeswoman Sarah Oakden said “We congratulate Trooper Edwards on becoming the recipient of this prestigious award, in recognition of his heroic service during World War Two.
“The National Memorial Arboretum is proud to regularly host medal ceremonies, where recipients can receive their award near memorials connected to their service branch or individual unit.”