WWII vet awarded France’s highest military honor

By Ellie Forbes via SWNS

A World War II veteran has been awarded France’s highest military award – nearly 80 years after his part in the D-Day landings.

Great-grandad John McOwan, aged 101, was delighted to finally receive his Legion D’Honneur medal.

The former Desert Rat only realized he was entitled to the medal after joining other veterans in Normandy to mark the 75th anniversary in 2019.

But due to delays with the application process, John, from Peebles, Scottish Borders, had almost given up hope of receiving his medal.

He had been unable to attend a first ceremony at the French Embassy, before the pandemic, because of ill health.

Finally, after 78 years and with assistance from Sight Scotland and Legion Scotland the medal, has now been awarded.

Retired jewelry shop owner John said: “When it came in the post it was a complete surprise. I’d been waiting for this for years.

“It was the best Christmas gift ever.

“I hope that this might encourage other veterans to come forward and apply if they have missed out.

“My family are all very proud, and my great-grandchildren were very interested and wanted to know more about my story.”

Dad-of-one John had planned to train as an optometrist after leaving school.

But he joined the Royal Artillery aged 18 in 1939, shortly before the outbreak of war.

After serving on the artillery batteries defending the Forth Rail Bridge, he was then transferred to Egypt in 1940.

He used his engineering skills to work on tanks, trucks and other equipment with the 7th Armoured Division.

Known as the Desert Rats, they served for several years in North Africa, going on to take part in the Allied landings in the south of Italy.

He was then involved in the Normandy landings, when tens of thousands of Allied troops landed on five beaches on 6th June 1944.

His division continued on to victory in Berlin, and he finally left the Army in 1946 as a Sergeant.

John returned to Peebles and took over the family jewelry business with his brother, retiring in 1990.

He and his late wife, Betty, had one daughter, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

John has already written a memoir with the help of Blind Veterans UK, which he published last year.

He said: “The trip back to the Normandy beaches was a catalyst for me.

“I kept thinking back to my service days and wartime experience.

“Then, during lockdown, I started writing to pass the time.

“I was really proud of my service, and I wanted to dedicate the book to my great-grandchildren.

“You often hear from people who knew nothing about their father’s or grandfather’s experience, and wishing that they had asked them more about it.”

Dr. Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “We are delighted to hear Mr McOwan has recently received the Legion D’Honneur, which is France’s highest distinction and awarded in recognition of both military and civilian merit.

“It is very well deserved and everyone at Legion Scotland congratulates him and sends their best regards.”