Pilton Ladies and the School Reunion Coffee Morning

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The Pilton Story had a visit from a wonderful group of Pilton-born ladies who all went to Pilton School.  They are organising a reunion coffee morning for the classes of 1945 – 1955 at the Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple, at 11am on Wednesday May 18th.

(left to right) Margaret, Jean, Maureen and Marion at The Pilton Story

(left to right) Margaret, Jean, Maureen and Marion at The Pilton Story

They visited our base on 18th April to share some of their stories of Pilton, Pilton Street, Priory Gardens, The Rock, Yeo Vale, Manning’s Pit, Pilton Park, Pilton School and much more.  We hope to share some of these tales with you on the archive quite soon.

 

 

 

 

George Laity of Pilton : Légion d’honneur

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George Laity of Pilton, formerly of the 231st Brigade, was one of four World War II heroes awarded the French National Order of the Legion of Honour (Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur) at an emotional ceremony at RMB Chivenor, North Devon, on Wednesday 13th April 2016. 

George Laity of Pilton

George Laity of Pilton

The equivalent of a knighthood, France’s highest honour was awarded in recognition of their part in the D-Day landings in 1944 which led eventually to the liberation of France from the Nazis.  The medals were presented by Alain Sibiril, French Honorary Consul to the South West.

With George Laity were Len Husband and Clifford Coates from Bideford and Dennis Small from Fremington.  A medal was also presented to the widow of Norman Johns of Instow, who died in January this year, and to the daughter of Bob Harding from Bideford, who was unable to attend the ceremony.  These men are the latest set of veterans to be awarded the medal since French President Francois Hollande promised to honour all Britons who had served in France during the World War II.

Thanks to ITV News West Country for the photograph.