Military honours for hero Gerald
A SCOTS D-Day hero has been laid to rest exactly 75 years after he parachuted into Normandy ahead of the allied invasion.
Gerald Fisher – who died at the age of 93 – was a Pathfinder, a soldier who dropped into Nazi occupied France on June 5 to pave the way for his comrades the following day.
He received the highest French medal – the Legion of Honour – for his courageous deeds in 2016. He was buried with full military honours yesterday and more than 100 people attended his funeral.
Police stopped traffic and veterans formed a guard of honour as his coffin left the church.
Another was formed by Parachute Regiment veterans at his graveside. Gerald is survived only by a few nephews, so it was feared that few people would turn up.
Gerald’s great nephew Nicky Fisher, 46, wore his Legion of Honour in his memory. He said: “I was amazed at the turnout. The family have really been moved by the support and warmth shown to Gerald. He BY STEPHEN STEWART was a very shy, quiet man but he also had a cheeky wit and told great stories.
“He didn’t talk that much about what he did in the war but we know he was there a day ahead of D-Day.
“When I asked him what he was doing there a day before everyone else, he said he was sending coded signals back and playing hide and seek with the Germans.”
A Requiem Mass was held for Gerald at St Alphonsus Catholic Church in Glasgow.
Canon Tom White gave his homily. He said: “Gerald returned to civil life, a life which would be characterised and formed by his quiet, almost shy nature.
“Although be under no illusion as to his wit, he was sharp minded and funny.
“Qualities which his wider family loved, cherished and admired.
“Perhaps it was his military experience that formed him into a man of routine. He had a daily routine which saw him walk about 10 miles a day.”