Halton Veteran receives French Award

Retired Squadron Leader, Alexander Gilbert DFC, has been appointed to the rank of ‘Chevalier’ in the Order National de la Legion d’Honneur, after receiving notification by the French Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ms Catherine Colonna. The award is France’s highest honour of merit, which recognises military and civilians alike.  It states that: ‘This Honour recognises military engagement and steadfast involvement in the Liberation of France during WW2’.

His career began in the RAF in late 1940 doing six months at Kirkham and qualified as an airframes fitter. After a very varied flying career and assisting the liberation of France during WW2, and on retirement he was offered a post at RAF Halton and completed ten years of service as Wing Admin Officer on the Herts and Bucks ATC. He finally hung up his uniform in 1986 after 45 years of service.

Sqn Ldr Gilbert was invited to RAF Halton to have tea with the Station Commander, Group Captain Dan Startup, and Station Executives in Halton House and brought his medal and insignia to show.

Whilst here Wing Commander Ian Hough gave a short talk about the changes to the RAF and RAF Halton over the years Sqn Ldr Gilbert served and up to the present day.