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It was announced in 2014 that the Government of France wished to honour all surviving Allied veterans of D-Day, for the selfless acts of heroism and determination that they displayed in pursuit of the liberation of France and the rest of Western Europe. He visited Normandy in 2010 with his grandson, Jordan, and was touched by the kindness he was shown there. In December 1944, George was posted to India Command, returning to the UK in 1946. On the first day alone, 717 casualties of the Battle at Normandy were treated there. He embarked on the SS Invicta for Normandy, landing at Arromanches, from where his platoon marched to Bayeux – the site chosen for the hospital for the casualties of D-Day. George, who was born in Shropshire and grew up in Attingham Park, joined the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1943. Kenneth remembers surviving twelve attempts by German divisions against the Anti-Tank platoon.

He then supported the defence of vital bridges, to allow the rest of the division to pass through to Belgium and Holland.

Along with others from his platoon, he dug trenches overnight, and planned to damage the attacking German Panzer Tanks with six pounder anti-tank guns. The presentation of their medals by the Honorary French Consul of Manchester, Monsieur Rodolphe Soulard, took place at Parkmount Care Home, Macclesfield, and Macclesfield General Hospital, respectively, in the presence of friends and family, as well as the Mayor of Macclesfield, Councillor Beverley Dooley.Ī member of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, Kenneth reached the beaches of Normandy by landing craft. Kenneth Newton, aged 94, and George Lucas, aged 92, were appointed to the rank of chevalier, or knight, of the Légion d’Honneur for their engagement and involvement in the D-Day landings. Two brave Macclesfield residents have been awarded the highest French order of merit for their distinguished service during the Second World War, at ceremonies attended by local MP David Rutley.