Highest honour for WW2 vet, 94
ASECOND World War veteran has been honoured for his role in helping to liberate France 73 years ago.
Cpl Alfred Barlow, 94, received the Legion d’Honneur from the French Consulate at a ceremony in Stockport Town Hall.
Flanked by his old comrades, family and friends, Alfred was presented with the honour by the French consulate, Monsieur Rodolphe Soulard, in front of the mayor, Councillor Chris Gordon and mayoress Dr Margaret Gordon.
The Legion d’Honneur is the highest honour that the French government can confer on a foreign national.
Alfred has been recognised for his efforts in the Normandy campaign.
At the age of 22, in June 1944, Alfred landed on Sword beach with his regiment The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers.
Alfred’s responsibility was to ensure military vehicles remained mobile and were recovered and repaired if necessary.
He also actively participated in Operations Charnwood and Goodwood.
He returned to England and married the love of his life Maisie, and worked in Cheadle Hulme for William Arnold on Rolls Royce and Bentley motor cars.
Alfred and Maisie moved to Romiley where Alfred started his own garage, which was very successful.
He also built the house in which he still lives.
Alfred also started a charity called RESCARE which provids care and accommodation for those with mental health difficulties in the south Stockport area.
Coun Gordon said “It is a huge credit to Alfred and his efforts that the charity is still running and providing the same care and attention that he and his colleagues aspired to several years ago.
“The Legion d’Honneur is an incredible honour and a source of great pride for not only Alfred and his family, but the citation read by the French Honorary Consul also recognised the part played in the conflict by his comrades in the Normandy Veterans Association.
“It is especially meaningful for the Borough of Stockport to have amongst our citizens the recipient of France’s highest honour”.