War veteran presented with Legion d'honneur

A Storrington war veteran was awarded with the Legion d'honneur on Saturday (November 12).
Allan Norman was presented with the Legion d'honneur award at his care home in Storrington on Saturday (November 12). Picture: Care SouthAllan Norman was presented with the Legion d'honneur award at his care home in Storrington on Saturday (November 12). Picture: Care South
Allan Norman was presented with the Legion d'honneur award at his care home in Storrington on Saturday (November 12). Picture: Care South

Allan Norman, 95, celebrated with friends and family as he was presented with the award for his military and civil merits at his care home, Sussexdown, in Storrington.

Mr Norman, formerly of the RAF Bomber Command Squadron, received the honour in recognition of his service efforts in landing on the beaches of Normandy the day after D-Day and his efforts throughout the Second World War in France, Belgium, Holland, Denmark and Germany.

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The Legion d’honneur award rewards Mr Norman for his actions as sergeant leading his team through the Normandy beaches to defend the airfields of Normandy.

Allan Norman was presented with the Legion d'honneur award at his care home in Storrington on Saturday (November 12). Picture: Care SouthAllan Norman was presented with the Legion d'honneur award at his care home in Storrington on Saturday (November 12). Picture: Care South
Allan Norman was presented with the Legion d'honneur award at his care home in Storrington on Saturday (November 12). Picture: Care South

Mr Norman served in the RAF until 1948.

French Honorary Consul captain Francois Jean presented Mr Norman with the award and said: “It must have been a very frightening experience for all involved. The Battle of Normandy went on for three months after D-Day and Allan would have certainly been right in the middle of it. It’s a tremendous honour to be celebrating this award with Allan and his family.”

The presentation was also attended by his son, daughter in-law and two granddaughters who joined in the afternoon celebrations.

Home manager of Care South’s Sussexdown Heather Rogers said: “We are delighted that Allan has been recognised for his bravery and the part he played in the Second World War. I’m very grateful to the staff at Sussexdown and all our guests for taking the time to make this day as special as possible for Allan, his family and everyone at the home.”

Allan Norman was presented with the Legion d'honneur award at his care home in Storrington on Saturday (November 12). Picture: Care SouthAllan Norman was presented with the Legion d'honneur award at his care home in Storrington on Saturday (November 12). Picture: Care South
Allan Norman was presented with the Legion d'honneur award at his care home in Storrington on Saturday (November 12). Picture: Care South
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