During a very moving ceremony at The Old Vicarage Mr Maurice Stone received the French Legion of Honour (Chevalier in the ordre national de la Legion d Honneur) recognising his military engagement and steadfast involvement in the Liberation of France during the Second World War. The Legion of Honour is the highest French order of merit for military and civil merits, established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Family members, close friends, including another member of Maurice’s regiment, students from Haygrove School and Vicarage staff were present as Mrs Josette Lebrat; French honorary Consul, made a heart felt speech about what the award means to the French people and personally thanked Maurice on behalf of her family and her nation.
Maurice’s nephew; Trevor told the story of Maurice’s time in the Coldstream Guards before Mrs Lebrat then presented Maurice with his medal, pinning it to his jacket on the left side.
A wonderful moment for Maurice and such a privilege for all of us to be present.