Medal honour for Second World War Hero from Stafford - aged 93
A brave soldier, who was unexpectedly elevated to the role of lead tank driver during the invasion of Normandy, has been awarded a Legion d'Honneur medal.
Rowland Edwards, of Stafford, served with the 29th Armoured Brigade HQ 11th Armoured Division during the Second World War. He has been given France's highest military award at the age of 93.
Trooper Edwards landed at Juno Beach, Normandy, in a Sherman tank shortly after D-Day in June 1944.
He was responsible for ensuring the safe progress of the tank across the beach towards Cully in pursuit of its main objective, capturing Hill 112.
But his tank driver was unable to operate the vehicle, due to the pressure of the situation, meaning Trooper Edwards was suddenly and unexpectedly elevated to the role of lead driver.
During a service at Staffordshire's National Memorial Arboretum, Trooper Edwards was presented with the medal by Jean-Claude Lafontaine – an honorary consul of France on behalf of the French government.
Trooper Edwards said: "I would like to thank the French government for this medal.
"Life in the Army was not easy and I witnessed many terrible things, but I wouldn't change a minute of it.
"My time serving was an important part of my life and while I sometimes found the experience terrifying. I had the opportunity to meet so many people and learn many things."
Several of the more than 330 memorials at the arboretum commemorating service, sacrifice and suffering are connected to those who served in the Second World War.
This includes the Normandy Veterans memorial, which features five stones – one for each of the landing beaches that were codenamed Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword.
The ceremony was attended by members of Trooper Edwards' family and representatives from Blind Veterans UK in Stafford, who provide regular support to help him with his age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
The arboretum's Sarah Oakden said: "We congratulate Trooper Edwards on becoming the recipient of this prestigious award in recognition of his heroic service during the Second World War.
"The National Memorial Arboretum is proud to regularly host medal ceremonies where recipients can receive their awards near memorials connected to their service branch or individual unit."
