Mr Archibald (99 years of age) was presented with his Legiond’honneur medal by Sir Tony Cunningham (together with Lady Anne Cunningham), who stood in for the Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, on Monday 13th March 2017 at Solway House, Maryport where Mr Archibald is resident.
Also at the presentation were 4 members* of Mr Archibald’s family and a ‘live link’ to his son Paul and daughter-in-law, Sheena, who live in France, plus, Mr Tony Parrini. MBE (Carlisle Branch Secretary), Mr Ian Fisher (County Vice Chairman and Bransty Branch Chairman), Mr John Edwards (Standard Bearer Egremont Branch RBL) and Karl Millyard (MSO).
It was a really moving occasion and we are all just so grateful that the medal arrived necessarily so promptly.
Those deserving of note are the following who gave their much appreciated assistance to obtain Mr Archibald’s medal in such a timely manner:
Mrs Claire Hensman (Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria), Suzannah Brooks (Secretary to Mrs Hensman), Sue Hayman MP for Workington, Paula Lauder (Assistant to Mrs Hayman), Mr Simon Lane (MOD), Mr Keith Faulkner (Wath Brow RBL) Mrs Kerry Newham (Advice and Information Officer RBL) and Her Excellency Sylvie Bermann, the French Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Mr Sydney Tomlinson Archibald was born on 31st August 1917 which was registered at Cockermouth; he lived in Wigton most of his post war life and now lives at Solway House, Maryport.
He was called up 14th Feb 1944 and is a survivor of the D-Day Landings, as he landed at Gold Beach attached to the 10th Beach Landing Party and reached the village of Le Hamel.
Regimental Number 3602191; 6th Battalion Border Regiment – 55 Foot
See link: https://www.forces-war-records.co.uk/units/238/border-regiment/
* Mr Wilfred Armstrong (nephew), Mr David Murphy (son-in-law), Rachel and Stephen Murphy (grandchildren - David's children).
Sir Tony Cunningham, Sydney Archibald and Rachel Murphy (Sydney's Grandaughter) holding medal
Mr Tony Parrini. MBE adjusting the medal
Mr David Murphy (Sydney's Son-in-Law), Sydney Archibald, John Edwards (Standard Bearer), Rachel & Stephen Murphy (Sydney's Grandchildren)
Mr. Sydney Tomlinson Archibald holder of the Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur
