4KOYLI Veteran Receives the Légion d'honneur

Jul 3, 2017
2 min read

Thomas Livesey 4KOYLI - 'Chevalier Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur'

In the presence of his family and flanked by two KOYLI Standards in the historic surrounding of Arley Hall, Northwich, Cheshire Thomas Livesey became the latest 'Chevalier Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur' when he was presented with the 'highest French order of merit for military and civil merits' by the French Honorary Consul on behalf of the President and people of France.

Lord Ashbrook, who's home is Arley Hall, gave everyone a warm welcome to his home before introducing Madame Aude Auclair the French Honorary Consul, Before Madame Auclair presented the award she thanked Thomas for his service and commitment during D-Day. Thomas, wearing his khaki beret and KOYLI cap badge, thanked Madame Auclair, and said a special thank you to the members of the Association for being there to complete his day.

Lt Col Andrew Trelawney from the Midlands County Office of The Rifles was joined by Maj. Andrew Penny, and from Yorkshire: Col. Gerry Delany; Tim Humphreys and Colin Cranswick.

Extract from the Warrington Guardian 7 Jul 17. Second World War veteran Thomas Livesey awarded Legion D'Honneur

A Second World War veteran has been awarded France’s highest military honour for his efforts to liberate the country from the Nazis.

Thomas Livesey from Orford joined the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry at the age of 18 in 1941, also serving with the Royal Army Ordinance Corps during his five years in the forces. The 94-year-old fought to liberate France in Normandy, also serving in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.

On Monday, July 4, he was awarded France’s highest military honour, the Legion D’Honneur, in a ceremony at Arley Hall in Northwich. Thomas was joined by his family and friends as Madame Aude AuClair, the French honorary consul, presented him with the medal.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Trelawny, secretary of the Rifles Association, gave a speech about his service.

Grandad-of-one Thomas, who worked on the railways following his service, said: “I didn’t feel like it was my medal until they presented it to me – it was a great honour.”

Cede Nullis Thomas.