Rochdale Sea Cadets present French Honour to WW2 veteran on his 97th Birthday

Early in the New Year Rochdale Sea Cadets were contacted by the Manchester Branch of the Royal Naval Association to assist in the formal presentation of a French State Medal, awarded in 2016 to Mr 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 and the assistance towards the liberation of France.

Cllr Raymond Dutton, Mayor of Rochdale; Mr Walter Hainsworth; Cdr Janet Evans, North West Area Sea Cadets; and, Lt Mark Stephens, OC Rochdale Sea Cadets.

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. I contacted Cdr (SCC) Janet Evans RNR MBE DL, the senior staff officer for the North West area, who helped me pull this together, contacting David Forbes, President of the Rochdale branch of the Royal British Legion and the Mayor of Rochdale Cllr Raymond Dutton to assist in Mr Hainsworth’s medal presentation.”

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

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

Rochdale Sea Cadets parade at their unit based on Greenbank Road, Rochdale, on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 19:15 to 21:30. For details contact www.TSfrobisher.com