A wonderful tale

On Wednesday out of the blue came a riveting story . I was crossing the square to my car, parked by Sevi's dry cleaners shop and he came out to me. With a piece of paper in his hand saying " you are just the man to take this."

It had a name -Bernard Morgan and a Crewe telephone number on it.

Fellow had contacted the shop saying he has materiel about Audlem that he would like to share .

I called him and arranged to call on him last Thursday.

Bernard Morgan

Arrived at his house close by the Crewe Alex ground. This upright gentleman opened his door . 98 years old and as bright as a button.

He was Sergeant Bernard Morgan who served in WWII as a radio/wireless operator and was on the beaches at D -Day .

On the 9th of June there he was setting up his equipment up the beach with shells whistling all about him . His two friends were killed as they worked . One by the Germans and one by shrapnel from our own side -- so called friendly fire!

He survived and went on to be awarded the Legion D'Honneur -- Frances highest award .

What a man and here he was chatting to me on his doorstep .

Telling me that after the surrender of Germany in May, 1945, he -- along with thousands of other servicemen came under SEAC -- South East Army Command -- and embarked on a ship called "Corfu" and set sail to fight the Japanese. The Ship was such a slow vessel and after multiple deaths from lack of fruit and of diphtheria and dysentery on board, they were too late and the war was over

He showed me documents and photos -- see attached -- where he is seen chatting to Her Majesty.

He told me he worked at The Crown Hotel here in the village under Tommy Consterdine in the late 40's /50's /60's .

Took part in the Annual Flower shows here etc . And cross country racing when he came both first and second.

What a true gentleman and it was such an honour to meet him.

He has asked that I keep in touch and I promised so to do -- and to give him a hard copy of my piece for his files .

Ralph Warburton