French medal for gun carrier

A Second World War infantryman whose job it was to carry his unit's machine gun has received the Legion d'Honneur from the French government.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Apr 2016, 10:42 BST
Updated 11th Apr 2016, 10:47 BST
Oxfordshire and Bucks Light Infantry Regiment veteran of the Second World War, William Ingram, wearing the Legion d'Honneur medal NNL-161004-181456009Oxfordshire and Bucks Light Infantry Regiment veteran of the Second World War, William Ingram, wearing the Legion d'Honneur medal NNL-161004-181456009
Oxfordshire and Bucks Light Infantry Regiment veteran of the Second World War, William Ingram, wearing the Legion d'Honneur medal NNL-161004-181456009

William Ingram, known as Norman, lives at Cheney House in Middleton Cheney and received the medal for his role in the liberation of France.

He delivered coal for a living before being conscripted into the Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry. Due to his profession, he was the strongest man in his platoon so was given the job of carrying and operating the Bren machine gun.

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His unit was involved in the push across Europe following the D-Day landings and its role was to clear up any remaining pockets of German resistance following the allied invasion.

His unit was involved in taking German prisoners of war and he saw many of his friends killed.

Related topics:Europe