LAURIETON resident and World War II veteran William Graham Otley was on Thursday awarded one of the French government's highest honours for his services during the conflict.
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The 95-year-old Mr Otley received the Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur (National Order of the Legion of Honour) at a special ceremony at Laurieton United Services Club.
It represents that nation's appreciation of Mr Otley's efforts with the Royal Navy during the Normandy landings on June 6, 1944.
Petty Officer Otley was a signaller stationed on the HMS Nith, a River class frigate anchored off the French coast.
He recalls undertaking "office type" responsibilities during the operation some 72 years ago.
Mr Otley remembers an uncomfortable crossing of the English Channel after the vessel left Southampton.
"It was a very cold day," he said.
"The sea was choppy. A lot of the soldiers were sea sick.
"I remember all the confusion."
He was thrilled with the strong turnout to commemorate the special occasion.
"Very honoured," Mr Otley said.
Mr Otley's son Richard nominated him for the honour.
The process was fast-tracked - reduced from 18 months to just one - because of a medical condition Mr Otley is facing.
First, the UK Ministry of Defence was required to verify Mr Otley's service history. Then, the French and Australian governments were involved.
"I probably harassed the French a bit too much," Richard said.
Richard travelled from Scotland to be at the function.
Also present were his daughter Margaret O'Brien, her husband Peter and their children Jasmine and Charlie.
Mrs O'Brien spoke of the war representing "dark days" for her father, but the love of his family after he returned spurred him on in post-war life.
"He was a great teacher and passionate gardener," she said.
"He became a devoted father and grandfather."
Mr Otley has lived in Laurieton since moving to Australia aged 82.
He refuses to sit in a car during the Anzac Day march every year. Mr Otley still marches without a falter in his step.
He and his wife Joan have since been active members of the Camden Haven.
Mrs Otley is a former president of the Camden Haven Community College.
Representatives of many of the clubs they have been involved with were at LUSC on Thursday.
They included the Probus Club, Garden Club and Day VIEW Club.
The Legion of Honour was established in the early 1800s by Napoleon Bonaparte.
