Re: Autumn 2015 | Page 75

Captain Francois Jean, French Consul reading citation National de la Legion Honneur. This was introduced by Napoleon Bonaparte on the 19th May 1802 as the highest decoration in France. There are five Degrees of the Award itself from “Chevalier” (Knight) to “Grand Cross”. It is awarded for excellent civil or military conduct following “official investigation”. The first award was made on the 14th July 1804. Eastbourne was to host its Annual Armed Forces Day at the Redoubt Fortress on the Seafront. the Mayor of Eastbourne, Janet Coles, the Local MP, Caroline Ansell and other dignitaries attended. The Redoubt is one of a series of forts built along the South Coast intended to deter enemy landings during the Napoleonic Wars. Today the site is a fine military museum and was an ideal location for the event. Colonel M J N Richards, President of Eastbourne Combined Ex-Services Association hosted the event. In addition to being awarded to French citizens it is considered by the French Government to be the highest award for bravery that may be awarded to Foreign Nationals. This event is held nationally and its aim is to recognise and boost the morale of the Armed Forces serving worldwide. It also promote their families who support them, also the reservists who give up their spare time, the Cadet forces (over 130,000 of them), and finally the veterans, many of whom are disabled. It was because of this that the person chosen to present this award to Pat on behalf of the French Government was Captain Francois JEAN, Consul Honoraire de France. It was clear to me that this award was not given lightly. This meant that full attention was required to ensure that its presentation and the right venue with the maximum exposure had to be correct and formal protocol observed. Fortunately, the ideal event was already on the calendar. On the 28th June So it is a very important day for everyone involved and in Eastbourne it is very well supported. This year the Service it would also have an important investiture on the programme. Therefore, on Sunday 28th June 20115 the Annual Drumhead Service was held, the weather was kind to us and the attendance was excellent. The Lord Lieutenant of Sussex, Peter Field, An ex-submarine Commander Rear Admiral A J Whetstone CB, Senior National Vice President and past President of the Submariners Association also attended, he was there by very special request of the Sussex Branch of the Association. The Service was very moving and the level of support given by the public was exceedingly rewarding. Captain Francois JEAN spoke of his country`s appreciation for the way in which the liberation of France had been achieved by men such as Pat and added his own personal thanks emphasising that his own Father had been a prisoner of war in Germany at the time. Pat stood proudly to receive the award and I must admit that standing there with him was for me a very special privilege, here was a man who had been through his 73