Argyll hero who fought with Resistance is honoured
ARGYLL war veteran Hamish Craig, a British and French Resistance fighter in the Second World War, has been appointed a Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour by President François Hollande of France.
The 93-year- old, who grew up near Lochgair but now lives in New Zealand, was awarded France’s highest decoration in recognition of his distinguished service and bravery.
During the war Mr Craig served in the UK’s highly secret auxiliary units. He was parachuted, on his own, into German- occupied France to assist the rural guerrilla bands of French Resistance fighters, ahead of the Allied Normandy landings on D Day, June 6, 1944.
The secret nature of the work meant for 50 years it could not be disclosed, even to Mr Craig’s family, and his daughter Ruth Craig said he was still not keen to talk about it.
‘Hamish was bound by an oath of secrecy for 50 years,’ she said, ‘so this was part of his life that was never talked about.’
During a recent two- day visit to New Zealand, the Prime Minister of France, Manuel Valls, personally thanked Mr Craig for his courage and contribution to the liberation of France. He was also congratulated by the Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key.
Mr Craig spent most of his early years at Carrick Farm near Lochgair, and attended school in Lochgilphead. He lived in Argyll after the war – at Carrick, Cladich and Lochgair – before moving to Devon. In the late 1950s he travelled with his young family to Otago in New Zealand, where he farmed sheep, and played the church organ.
He was married to Connie, who died in 2001, for more than 50 years. He has three children, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Ms Craig said her father was ‘honoured and very proud’ to receive the award.