Centenarian proud to receive France's highest decoration

Centenarian Ronald Meads has been presented with the Legion D'Honneur in recognition of his service in the Royal Navy during the second world war.
Worthing West MP Peter Bottomley, Deputy Lieutenant for West Sussex Tom Wye, Worthing deputy mayor and mayoress  Alex and Fran Harman, members of the Royal Naval Association and Worthing Sea Cadets from TS Vanguard were among those attending the ceremony. Picture: Derek Martin DM17314247aWorthing West MP Peter Bottomley, Deputy Lieutenant for West Sussex Tom Wye, Worthing deputy mayor and mayoress  Alex and Fran Harman, members of the Royal Naval Association and Worthing Sea Cadets from TS Vanguard were among those attending the ceremony. Picture: Derek Martin DM17314247a
Worthing West MP Peter Bottomley, Deputy Lieutenant for West Sussex Tom Wye, Worthing deputy mayor and mayoress Alex and Fran Harman, members of the Royal Naval Association and Worthing Sea Cadets from TS Vanguard were among those attending the ceremony. Picture: Derek Martin DM17314247a

Centenarian Ronald Meads has been presented with the Legion D’Honneur in recognition of his service in the Royal Navy during the second world war.

Captain Francois Jean, Consul Honoraire of France, made the journey to Worthing for the ceremony on Saturday and personally presented the medal.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Worthing West MP Peter Bottomley, Deputy Lieutenant for West Sussex Tom Wye, Worthing deputy mayor and mayoress Alex and Fran Harman, members of the Royal Naval Association and Worthing Sea Cadets from TS Vanguard were among those attending the ceremony.

Ronald Meads is presented with the Legion D'Honneur by Captain Francois Jean. Picture: Derek Martin DM17314228aRonald Meads is presented with the Legion D'Honneur by Captain Francois Jean. Picture: Derek Martin DM17314228a
Ronald Meads is presented with the Legion D'Honneur by Captain Francois Jean. Picture: Derek Martin DM17314228a

Mr Meads, who celebrated his 100th birthday on February 11, joined the Royal Naval Reserve in 1938.

He served aboard HMS Hermes, HMS Capetown, HMS Bude and HMS Northern Wave during the Second World War.

Son Richard Meads said: “He served in the Royal Navy during the war and survived many illnesses along the way to his 100th birthday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“He served in the North Atlantic, the Far East and at D-Day.”

Ronald Meads is presented with the Legion D'Honneur by Captain Francois Jean. Picture: Derek Martin DM17314228aRonald Meads is presented with the Legion D'Honneur by Captain Francois Jean. Picture: Derek Martin DM17314228a
Ronald Meads is presented with the Legion D'Honneur by Captain Francois Jean. Picture: Derek Martin DM17314228a

Mr Meads was born in Pevensey but has lived in Worthing since 1945. He survived cancer 25 years ago and has been a resident at St Mary’s Care Home, Westbrooke, for seven years.

Nicole Homewood, manager at the home, said: “The day was fabulous and Ron thoroughly enjoyed himself. He said he is really proud to have been recognised for the honour.”

He has two children, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make our website your homepage at www.worthingherald.co.uk

2 Like our Facebook page at Worthing Herald

3 Follow us on Twitter @Worthing_Herald

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Worthing Herald - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.

Related topics: