Rochdale Sea Cadets present French Honour to WW2 veteran Walter Hainsworth

Rochdale Sea Cadets present French State Medal to Walter Hainsworth, WW2 veteran on his 97th Birthday

Rochdale Sea Cadets assisted in the formal presentation of a French State Medal awarded to Walter Hainsworth, a WW2 Royal Navy veteran.

Mr Hainsworth was awarded the title of 'Chevalier in the ordre national de la Legion d’honneur' for his steadfast involvement in the D Day landings in the assistance towards the liberation of France.

The presentation took place at Ashbourne Nursing Home, Norden where Mr Hainsworth lives, on the 27 February, his 97th birthday, in front of his close friends and family.

Mr Hainsworth said: “It’s a great honour to receive this award, thank you to everyone who came and made the day possible.”

Lt (SCC) Mark Stephens RMR, Officer Commanding TS Frobisher II, Rochdale Sea Cadets, said: “It is truly a great honour to be asked to be a part of this, as representatives of the Royal Navy within the community it’s very important we treat these occasions with the upmost regard.

“Commander (SCC) Janet Evans RNR MBE DL, the senior staff officer for the north west area, helped me pull this together, contacting David Forbes, President of the Rochdale branch, the Royal British Legion and the Mayorof Rochdale Raymond Dutton to assist in Mr Hainsworth’s medal presentation.”