The Lord Provost of Glasgow joins nine D Day veterans as they are awarded France's highest decoration - Légion D'Honneur medals by Consul General of France

Published: 8 April 2016

Nine veterans, who served in different parts of the Armed Forces during the Second World War, have been awarded the accolades during a special ceremony in Glasgow's City Chambers Banqueting Hall today, 8 April and joined by the Lord Provost, the Consul General of France in Scotland, Emmanuel Cocher and proud members of their families.

Nine veterans, who served in different parts of the Armed Forces during the Second World War, have been awarded the accolades during a special ceremony in Glasgow's City Chambers Banqueting Hall today, 8 April and joined by the Lord Provost, the Consul General of France in Scotland, Emmanuel Cocher and proud members of their families.

The insignia of Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur, or in full the National Order of the Legion of Honour, is a French order established by Napoleon Bonaparte on May 19, 1802.

The order is the highest decoration in France and, while membership in the Légion is technically restricted to French nationals, foreign nationals who have served France, or the ideals it upholds, may receive the honour.

Consul General of France, Emmanuel Cocher said before the start of the ceremony: "France will never forget the gallantry and bravery veterans showed in taking part in the Liberation of France 70 years ago.

"The actions and sacrifice of these men, and that of so many who fell on the battlefield, was instrumental in bringing back freedom and peace in France and across Europe".

Councillor Sadie Docherty, Lord Provost of Glasgow was delighted to take part in this prestigious ceremony and said today: "These men are incredible and deserve to be honoured in this wonderful way.  We owe a great debt to the thousands of soldiers and their bravery in the Second World War and remember all those who lost their lives fighting for our freedom."

Honoured veterans:

• Hugh Ewart (91 years) - Sniper in the Royal Marine Commando Army, from Coatbridge,
• William Ward (91 years) - Private, 1st Battalion Kings Own Scottish Borderers, from Ayr
• Gilbert Gray (91 years) - Sergeant in the Royal Air Force, from Strathaven
• James Chalmers (92 years) - Private in the Royal Army Medical Corps, from Glasgow
• Iain Cameron (91 years) - Private in the Royal West Surrey Regiment, from Glasgow
• Anthony Staples (91 years) - Corporal in the Royal Air Force, from Troon
• John Mitchell (91 years) - Corporal, Royal Corps of Signals, from Galston, Ayrshire
• James Kirkwood (94 years) - Lieutenant in the Royal Navy, from Glasgow
• Geoffrey Payne - Warrant Officer in the Royal Air Force, from Cumbernauld

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