A 94-year-old Milnrow veteran is toasting “the best birthday present ever” after receiving France’s highest military honour for bravely helping liberate the country in World War Two
Roy Lothian, who served in the Royal Engineers, was awarded the Legion D’honneur after serving five years in France repairing bombed bridges and battling German snipers. He also fought in Africa and Italy.

The award was bestowed after his daughter in law spotted a newspaper​​ article asking for any surviving allied veterans to contact the French Government.

Roy, who turns 95 next week, received official notification from the French Ambassador in London, informing him that President Francois Hollande had appointed him to the highest possible rank.

Roy said: “When I heard the news I just couldn’t believe it. I am so proud and humbled to have been honoured in this way; it means the world to me.

“The five years I served in France were really difficult but I am glad I played my part in liberating the country from Nazi occupation.

“After the war I felt I had lost years of my life. I now reflect how those five long years helped ensure freedom and liberty for millions of people. I’ve had a good life and this is the best birthday present ever.”

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Rochdale Borough Council’s Armed Forces lead member, said: “This is a wonderful honour for a brave, dedicated man who did so much to liberate France and defeat evil.

“It’s a fantastic gesture by the French to bestow this honour underlining how so many men across our borough played an important part in the war effort.”

Roy will now fly out to France to celebrate his 95th birthday with family and friends. As well as three children, he was two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

On his return to England, Roy will be invited to Rochdale Town Hall for tea with the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale and an official presentation of his medal.

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