Shropshire man to receive France’s top honour
Friday 18th June 2010, 10:30AM BST.
A Shropshire war veteran was today receiving the highest honour France can bestow during a state visit to Britain by President Nicolas Sarkozy of France.
President Sarkozy was presenting Glynne Medlicott, 87, of Shrewsbury, and two other Second World War veterans with the Legion d’Honneur – the highest decoration in France.
It will take place during a special ceremony at The Royal Hospital, Chelsea, attended by Prime Minister David Cameron.
The ceremony is being marked by a joint flypast of the French airforce and the Royal Air Force, including Spitfire, Typhoon and Rafale aircraft.
Former butcher Mr Medlicott, who was born in Church Stretton, enlisted in The Royal Berkshire Regiment in September 1941 and took part in the Operation Dragoon landings in Provence in August 1944. He has been actively involved with the French town of Le Muy and its remembrance activities since.
After leaving school at 14, Mr Medlicott worked as a trainee butcher. He joined the Home Guard when it was formed and tried to enlist as an air gunner while still under age but his father found out and stopped him.On his 19th birthday, he enlisted in the Royal Berkshire Regiment.
He had tried for the Paras, but was told he must join the rifles first.
He finally did his parachute training at Hardwick Hall and Ringway and early in 1943, on being awarded his wings, he joined Major Lander’s newly formed 21st Independent Parachute Company.
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congratulations to mr medlicotte on his award and well done for meeting the french leader carla bruni
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