Veteran finally collects his medals.

Discussion in 'Veteran Accounts' started by Deacs, Aug 9, 2019.

  1. Deacs

    Deacs Well i am from Cumbria.

    From Border News today the story of a WW2 Veteran who finally collects his medals after 75 years.


    75 years later: Veteran collects his Second World War medals
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    And also form the Cumbria's Museum of military life newsletter.


    D-Day Veteran Presented With His Medals
    Today was a very special day at the Museum as former Border Regiment soldier Derek Whitfield, a Veteran of D-Day, was finally presented with his Second World War medals.

    In June 1944, Derek was involved in the D-Day landings on Gold Beach and then was subsequently wounded, whilst attached to the Gordon Highlanders, in what was known as ‘Operation Market Garden.’ He returned to the UK for medical treatment.
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    Born in Ashton-under-Lyne in 1923, Mr Whitfield, like so many other veterans, did not apply for his medals after the war. His son, David, explains: ‘My father didn’t agree with the process of applying for medals after the war and thought that servicemen should have automatically been awarded them. However, following the recent D-Day commemorations and discussions with his children and grandchildren, he decided now was the right time to apply.’

    Mr Whitfield has been awarded: The 1939 - 1945 Star, The France and Germany Star, The Defence Medal and The War Medal 1939 - 1945

    Whilst stationed in Carlisle Derek met local girl Sheila Kirk. The couple married in April 1946 and were married for 65 years until Sheila died in 2011. They have three sons and four grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
     
    TriciaF, Tricky Dicky, CL1 and 5 others like this.
  2. Tullybrone

    Tullybrone Senior Member

    Thanks for sharing.

    Hopefully he will also receive the French Legion D’Honneur in due course.

    Steve
     
    Tricky Dicky, CL1 and Deacs like this.
  3. Deacs

    Deacs Well i am from Cumbria.

    Hopefully now he'll go for it Steve.
     

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