The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A Spalding man who 16 times crossed the channel as part of the Normandy landings in 1944 has been awarded France’s highest honour.
Edwin West (92), known as Ted, was presented with the National Order of the Legion of Honour by the honorary consul for France, Jean-Claude Lafontaine at a special ceremony at the Services Club on Friday, January 19.
Ted was just 18 at the time of the D-Day landings when soldiers landed in France to begin the country’s liberation from the German occupation.
An electrician by trade, he commanded Landing Craft number 25 despite having never even been on a boat before its first trip.
It went on to make the 300 mile round trips from Portland to Omaha beach and back eight times.
The boat was part of a flotilla of 12 vessels that crossed the channel together on each journey.
On each landing in France their arrival was met by gunfire with dropping the doors of the craft and unloading the men among Ted’s jobs.
The Quaker Lane resident said: “The boat was starting to break in half on the final journey.
“On both sides there were gaps emerging. It was nervy and we had to go very slowly on the final journey, but we got there.
“Getting this medal feels just marvellous. I’m very proud.”
Ted had family and friends travel from as far afield as Wales for the ceremony that was also witnessed by a host of veterans and dignitaries.
Mr Lafontaine said while presenting the medal to Ted: “I’m very honoured that on behalf of French people we can say thank you and award you the Légion d’honneur which is the equivalent to a CBE or OBE in the UK.
“There is no more important period in our history than what you have done for us.
“This medal is celebrating your bravery and the depth of gratitude our people have towards you.”
Tony Goodwin, the chair of the Royal British Legion in Lincolnshire, said: “This medal means so very much to Ted and it is a fitting tribute for everything he saw and experienced and acknowledges that the British were on those beaches too.”
