On Friday 9th November 2018 W.Bro. Ronald Frederick Balshaw, PPrSGW (Phoenix Lodge 3236) was presented with the ‘Legion D’honneur’ issued by the French government in recognition of his service prior to and during the D-Day Landings.
The Rt.Hon. Frank Field MP, was pleased to present W.Bro Ron with the Medal, the highest honour bestowed on any Non-French citizen. W.Bro. played his part in the D-Day landings on minesweeper the MMS280, where he swept the channel off the Normandy coast in heavy seas and storms in the days prior to and including D-Day itself ensuring a safe passage for the D-Day fleet across the channel and onto the beaches. W.Bro. Gary Horstman (APGM – Area 2) also presented W.Bro. Ron with a ‘Letter of Recognition’ signed by the Rt. Worshipful Provincial Grand Master.
It took 60 years to be recognised but it’s very poignant that it was presented to W.Bro. Ron, 2 days prior to 100th Anniversary of Armistice Day.
Thank you Ron for your service.
