A Burnham-On-Sea war veteran has been awarded France’s highest wartime honour for his role in the Normandy landings 73 years ago.
The French government has awarded Burnham pensioner Tony Winterburn, 91, the Chevalier de L’Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur for his involvement in the liberation of France during the Second World War.
Talking to Burnham-On-Sea.com this week, he said: “It’s a great honour and wonderful recognition.”
Tony served in the Merchant Navy and had just been promoted to Second Radio Officer when he was posted to SS Stanridge in May 1944. The ship was ordered to London Docks to load war supplies and several hundred soldiers.
Tony recalls: “Early in June, we sailed for Normandy, an area in the vicinity of Arramanches, and landed our men and cargo on the beach, via landing craft. We made five or six subsequent voyages from London Docks, landing men and materials on Gold, Sword and Juno beach heads.”
“On each passage through the Dover Straits, always at night, we were in action against German E-Boats and suffered losses. Our final run to Normandy ended on August 10th, 1944, after which I was transferred to another ship.”
Sylvie Bermann, the Ambassador of France to the United Kingdom, says in her letter to Tony: “I offer you my warmest congratulations on this high honour in recognition of your acknowledged military engagement and your steadfast involvement in the Liberation of France during the Second World War.”
She adds: “As we contemplate this Europe of peace, we must never forget the heroes like you, who came from Britain and the Commonwealth to begin the liberation of Europe by liberating France.”
“We owe our freedom and security to your dedication, because you were ready to risk your life.”
Tony told Burnham-On-Sea.com how he learned of the award: “It all came about after my daughter Miranda read an article in a London newspaper about someone who’d received the award and we realised that the French government is recognising those who were involved in the Normandy landings.”
“We initially approached the MoD and sent in a record of the ships that I’d served on and the dates of my service in the war.”
“The MoD confirmed I would be applicable and soon after I received a letter from the French ambassador confirming that the President had appointed me to the rank of Chevalier de L’Ordre National de la Legion d’Honneur.”
“It is a lovely to have the recognition over 70 years on, and really wonderful that the French government is doing this.”
