FROME resident, Ken Miller, has been honoured by the French Government for the part he played in the liberation of France in 1945.
95-year old Ken, who is an active senior member of the Rotary Club of Frome was awarded the Legion of Honour (Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur), the highest French decoration which was set up by Napoleon Bonaparte and for two centuries has been presented on behalf of the Head of State to reward the most deserving citizens in all fields of activity.
Born in Butts Hill, Ken is well known in the town as the former owner of hardware store Millers in the Westway precinct, having previously worked with his father in their original store in Bath Street.
“What is not so well known is Ken’s WW2 wartime service in the RAF, and the part he played in the historic events of D-Day, in June 1945,” explains fellow Rotary member, Ian Buick.
“Following training in the UK and Canada, Ken passed his course as an Observer (Navigation, Bombing and Gunnery) with flying colours. As one of the top two in his course of 40, he was commissioned as an officer in 1943.
“Further training resulted in Ken being the navigator in a four-engined B24 Liberator aircraft, flying over the sea in maritime warfare operations.
“Based in RAF St Mawgan for the D-Day landings as part of 206 Squadron, Ken took part in 62 missions, protecting the invasion ships. They sank a U-boat, damaged another, and damaged at least one other which was not confirmed. Their skipper was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross on behalf of the crew.
“Unfortunately Ken is currently recuperating in Frome Hospital, but is looking forward to being back with his family and volunteering with his Frome Rotary friends at the Pop Up Shop as soon as possible.”
President of the Rotary Club of Frome, Chris Page, said “Ken is the perfect example of a lifetime of service and support to his country, the town of Frome, the Rotary movement and most especially his family.
“We believe this award is hugely well deserved and rightly places Ken amongst all the other heroes who’s unassuming bravery delivered this country, and the world, the freedom which we now take for granted.”
