During World War II, a British veteran received the highest honor for his service in service.
Dennis Smith, 98, of Dormanstown, Teesside, has appeared in the Ordre Country de lanlegion d’Honneur in a nursing home in Middlesbrough.
Despite the formal age requirement of 18, he joined the 16-year-old Family Guard. The French Embassy said the country was “thanks to his “dedication.”
Mr Smith said he was recalling over there when he was awarded the badge and he was “very proud” to accept it.
The Embassy said the award recognized his “military participation and firm participation in the liberation of France”.
In a letter notifying Mr. Smith’s appointment, the French ambassador to the United Kingdom said: “We must never forget heroes like you.
“We owe you to your dedication because you are ready to take risks.”
Dennis Smith makes an appearance at his Middlesbrough Care Home [BBC]
Mr. Smith presented the Military Award at the Astune Rise Care Home at the ceremony attended by his family.
“It’s cute, isn’t it? I’m very proud to receive it.”
Smith was awarded for participating in the ‘Liberation of France’ [Family handout]
In 1944, Mr. Smith joined the Green Howards and was sent to France, where he later became part of the Black Watch.
His service brought him to Belgium and the Netherlands, and then to Germany, at the end of the war his inhabitants.
Mr. Smith later served in the Lincoln Corps and Worcester Corps and participated in peacekeeping operations in Italy before completing military service in Germany.
After leaving the armed forces, he worked as a bus driver and met his wife, Rose, who was the conductor.
He has a son, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
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