Marking a century of courage: D-Day veteran awarded France's highest honour

A 100-year-old D-Day veteran has received France's highest honour in recognition of his role in the liberation of France during the Second World War.  

John Fiddler, who lives in Cardiff, was presented with his Legion d'Honneur medal by Hélène Tréheux-Duchêne, French Ambassador for the UK, in a ceremony held at HMS Cambria. 

The award was established by Napoleon in 1802, and in 2014, it was extended by the French Government to all those who served in support of the Normandy Landings in June 1944.

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Heroism, courage, and sacrifice 

John joined the Royal Navy in 1943, aged 18. During Operation Overlord – commonly known as the D-Day Landings – he was responsible for transporting tanks and essential supplies across the Channel to the shores of Normandy.

He also served on HMS Holmes, which deployed on convoys and anti-submarine patrols in the Atlantic, the English Channel and the North Sea.

One of his wartime roles was to plot ships' coordinates, helping to determine their positions, although he joked that this paled in importance compared with issuing the rum each morning at 11 o'clock!

Originally from Edinburgh, Mr Fiddler settled in Cardiff in 1976, following a four-year tour of service as a civil servant working for the British Army in Germany.

He said he was "absolutely delighted" to be awarded his Legion d'Honneur medal, saying it was "a great honour indeed". 

Madame Tréheux-Duchêne said: "It is a great honour for me to recognise and express our country's heartfelt gratitude to a hero who helped liberate France.

"My country was fortunate to be able to count on the support of its closest partner, the UK, and of the brave British people who fought for our common values: freedom, democracy and peace.

"This award ceremony is an opportunity to recall the unbreakable friendship between our two nations. Through this award, France wants to honour John Fiddler as the perfect example of an individual who deserves our endless gratitude," she added.

Mr Fiddler's daughter, Allyson, said it was a very proud moment "not just for Dad, but for all his friends and family".

"Like so many of his generation, Dad never really spoke about his wartime experiences. We're very grateful to the French Ambassador, to HMS Cambria, and to the Royal British Legion, for this marvellous celebration."

Commander Michael Dalzell, Commanding Officer of HMS Cambria, added that "John embodies the Royal Navy ethos – Lead; Fight; Win," and is an "absolute inspiration" to the reservist 'citizen sailors' of the ship's company, several of whom formed a Guard of Honour at the ceremony.