National legion of Honour

Jazzy, just to tell you I received the Award of the National Legion of Honour from the French Embassy in London. It came by recorded delivery.
You can find to details of this on the web site of that name and go to WW2.

Wow Norman, I will look it up.

A well deserved Honour.

It's a privilege to know you, via the Internet.

Légion d'Honneur
The Légion d'Honneur, the premier French decoration, was instituted by Napoleon I on May 19th 1802. It is conferred only for gallantry in action or twenty years of distinguished military or civilian service in peacetime.

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Jazzy, it has been put on the fusiliers web site.

Congratulations Norman. No doubt it is very well deserved.

Excellent news Norman. You must be very proud.

I'll look for it Norman, thanks for letting me know

Norman, I hope it's ok, I've posted a link to the lovely letter. I'm sure many people will be very moved to read it.

Many congratulations.

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You are right, Jazzy.

Congratulations to you Norman on winning this award. You could possibly be the first and only from Bryn Gates/Downall Green to have won this.

Morning uncle joe, there can't be many posters on this forum who have won the Légion d'Honneur.

Morning Jazzy, I posted almost the exact same comment on the ex-DG'ers thread over on places. I know Norman had family there. I'm so pleased that he has been awarded this.

uncle joe, if you follow the link I posted, scroll down past Norman's citation, the story of his war days is posted there. It's really fascinating

Joe,Jazzy and others who have posted such kind words. Yes, I am proud of the various things I have been involved in over my life time.
I look back to my school days at Bryngates and Ashton Central School and at that time it never crossed my mind that so much would come into my future years.
I have enjoyed my life, the good and the bad.
I have been lucky. I came home safe when many of my Comrades paid the Supreme Sacrifice and I Remember them.
Thanks again.

Congratulations Norman.

Jazzy, I did read it, and you are correct, it is fascinating.

Norman: I hope you can expand on your writings.

I'm glad you read it uncle joe.

Norman writes really well, and his memory is amazing.

The opportunity for me to read a first hand account like Norman's really moved me, putting into context what our fathers and grandfathers did for us.

Uncle joke, I do have separate writings, starting with my life story from age four. Then the one you have read on the web site. I have another which starts with my return to civilian life again and goes through my working life post WW2 with 38 years with the same Company.
I worked in many countries and did several exhibitions on behalf of the Company both abroad and all over Britain.
I need an expert to put it all together.

Norman, have you thought of asking if there is someone at the History Shop who might be able to help?

It is local history after all

Try giving these guys a call Norman, I think they would be over the moon to hear from you. Start your conversation with, " I have just been awarded the
Légion d'Honneur" and go from there. They are going to love you.

Local History

Many of our libraries have material relating to the history of their locality. However, the main local history collections are held in the History Shop, Wigan, and the Turnpike Centre, Leigh.
In both centres a specialist local history officer is normally available to help you with your research.

To find out more about our local history service please contact Bob Blakeman on (01942) 828020 or Tony Ashcroft on (01942) 404559.

Jazzy, no I haven't but I might give it some thought..
One thing I found interesting was an investment course in Manchester Stock exchange.It was organised by The Manchester Evening News and consisted of three ten week evening meetings of two hours each night.
I met many Company CEOs including Jack Cohen who started Tesco along with others all passing on their expertise for investments etc.

Another thought Norman, a university student who is studying history might be interest in working with you to collate your memoirs?

Norman, my other half worked at the London Stock Echange for 20 years, that's the reason we moved from Wigan. Then he worked for a couple of financial institutions, and finally worked for the Bank of England before he retired.

He is a computer specialist, and not an investment specialist, but of course was aware of many things that were private and confidential.

Sadly, it was always in his contract that he was not allowed to buy stocks and shares, because of insider trading regulations, and whatever preceded that legislation I guess.

I would imagine Jack Cohen was interesting. He almost single handedly brought down retail price maintenance in this country. Very interesting part of retail history.