D-DAY landings veterans from Stratford were honoured this week.
The Lord Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Warwickshire were among guests at the Honorific Awards Ceremony at the Town Hall on Monday (October 27).
Hosted by Stratford Town Council, Mayor Ian Fradgley ‘made no apology’ in declaring the most distinguished guests were those who had either played an active part in the historic landings, or whose contributed to the success of the campaign on June 6, 1944.
Tribute was paid to Stratford veterans William Betts, Donald Clark, Joan Downes, Jack Hall, George Hitchman, Norman Kelloway, Edward Stratford and Phillip Sweet – all of whom were present to accept the award from the mayor.
Rosalynne Francis-Homes received the award on behalf of her Uncle Joseph Beckett, and the Coun Fradgley will visit him personally, together with Howard Rose and Victor Whistler, whose health also prevented them joining their wartime compatriots.
The town council will also be marking the occasion by planting a mixture of Peace and Remembrance roses in the Garden of Remembrance and will also be installing an bench to commemorate past, present and any future combat and those whose lives have been caught up in warfare.