Alphonse Meyer a member of The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 202 and a resident of the Bruce Peninsula was awarded the rank of Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour. Alphonse was unable to attend in person so the French Government sent his medal along with an accompanying letter. The letter stated: “This distinction (The Legion of Honour is the highest national order of France) illustrated the profound gratitude that France would like to express to you. It is awarded in recognition of your professional involvement in the liberation of our country. Through you, France remembers the sacrifice of all of your compatriots who came to liberate French soil, often losing their lives in the process.”

A close up of the Legion of Honour Medal

    Alphonse was a member of the Algonquin Armoured Regiment. As a Bren Gunner he fought at such places as Falaise in France. Alf recounted that many of the sign posts were missing along the roads so that few of the company knew where they were or which small villages and towns they passed through.

    Alphonse was captured in Belgium and spent some time as a prisoner of war in Germany. With the war in the last month, he was liberated and spent VE day in London England.

    We thank Alphonse for his service.