Shipston World War Two hero receives high honour

Local World War Two veteran, Eric Whitehead, has been appointed Chevalier in the Ordre Nationale de la Legion d’Honneur in recognition of his contribution and steadfast involvement in the Liberation of France during the Second World War.

Eric (pictured in his WW2 uniform) served in the Coastal Forces of the Royal Navy throughout WW2. Eric’s main role early in the war was protecting coastal convoys from attacks by German boats in the English Channel and North Sea. During the Normandy invasion in June 1944 and thereafter, Coastal Forces carried out navigational duties including escorting convoys to and from the beaches. At this time Eric was commanding Motor Launch 593 of the 32nd Motor Launch Flotilla, playing a direct role in the liberation of France. 

Between Dunkirk and VE Day, Coastal Forces fought over 780 actions, sinking 800 enemy vessels. In 1944, operating from Norway to the Aegean, there were some 3,000 officers and 22,000 ratings serving in Coastal Forces. That 2,300 were killed shows the hazardous nature of the operations they found themselves undertaking. 

In a letter from the French Ambassador in London offering her heartfelt congratulations, she comments: “As we contemplate this Europe of peace, we must never forget the heroes like you, who came from Britain and the Commonwealth to begin the liberation of Europe by liberating France. We owe our freedom and security to your dedication, because you were ready to risk your life.”

Richard Adams, Chairman of the Shipston Branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “Eric is a member and past president of the Shipston Branch of the Royal British Legion and we are all extremely pleased and proud that his bravery during WW2 has been formally recognised in this way.” 

Shipston Town Councillors also extend their congratulations to Mr Whitehead, who was once Mayor of Shipston in the days of the Shipston Rural District Council. 

The town will have an opportunity to reflect on the bravery of Eric and his comrades, and remember the fallen at the Remembrance Parade on Sunday 8th November.