4 December, 2018

There was great excitement in Apley Grange in Harrogate, England on the morning of Tuesday 27th November. The Community and staff were up early and gathered in the community room for the presentation of the award of Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur to Pamela Hussey SHCJ.

Visitors arrived for the occasion. Three members of staff from GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters) in Scarborough, where Pamela had worked as a code breaker during WW II, were also present. They presented Pamela with a beautiful bunch of flowers.

The delegation from the French Embassy arrived at nine o’clock: First Secretary Mr Nicolas Wuest Famose, Defence Attaché Admiral Luc Pagès and Army Attaché Colonel Armel Dirou.

European Province Leader Carmel Murtagh welcomed the visitors, thanking the delegation for the great honour bestowed on Pamela and expressing how proud we are of her.

Mr Nicolas Wuest Famose gave a short speech that gave context to the presentation of the award. Click here to read his speech. Colonel Armel Dirou read the words of presentation and Admiral Luc Pagés presented Pamela with the award.

When the formalities were over Pamela had conversation with her guests in French and as they prepared to leave she exclaimed with great joy and gratitude, Vive la France!

Members of the community and staff found the occasion very moving and several commented that it was a real privilege to be present for such an event.