A man has finally been awarded the French Govenment’s highest honour – after forging his parents’ signatures to join the war effort when he was just 15-years-old.
Denis Hamilton, 88, has been bestowed the title of Chevalier in the National Order of the Legion of Honour, the highest degree possible meaning Knight.
It comes in recognition of his efforts in the Merchant Navy during the Second World War, when he helped in the efforts to liberate France.
The grandfather-of-four from Leyland, Lancs., was nominated for the award by the Merchant Navy organisation New Horizons.
He said: “I’m elated, but no one was more surprised than me. Other people deserved it far more than I.”
Having left Preston Catholic College at 15, Denis was working for Ribble Motors in Preston in 1944 when he came into contact with a Merchant Seaman and asked about the job.
“My brother was in the Royal Navy and I was so envious,” he said.
”I thought this war is going to be over before I have chance to get in. I was going mad to get in – it was an adventure and I wanted to be there among it all.”
Knowing he wouldn’t get his parents’ approval to join, Denis forged their signatures and applied to the Board of Trade.
When he finally told his family of his intentions, he was told he couldn’t join, but they finally relented when he threatened to run away from home.
Sailing to Penarth Dock near Cardiff, his ship, Palacio, was loaded up by American soliders, and then anchored off the coast of the Isle of Wight.
Denis said: “There were hundreds of ships there, all swinging around in the tide, missing one another by 20 to 40 metres.
“When we finally got to France it was two days after D-Day, though we didn’t know it at the time.
“They were still fighting like hell on Omaha Beach, so we we were sent to Utah Beach instead.”
In total, the ship made six journeys to the beach, delivering ammunition and food, including essential maintenance packs for troops on foot.
The beaches were targeted by German snipers and aircraft, though ships were largely left unharmed.
Denis left the Merchant Navy in 1955 and went on to work as a driver for Leyland Motors.
A medal ceremony is being planned for recipients of the honour.
