“The people of France have never and will never forget the act of bravery shown by the Canadian Forces during the Normandy landing to help restore our freedom. I can only think of a single word to say to you Mr. Tibbatts. Merci. You are, to France, a true hero.” – The Honorary Consul of France in Winnipeg, Sir Bruno Burnichon.
Last week, at a gala ceremony put on the Russell Legion Branch 159, 97-year-old Lloyd Clifford Tibbatts received the highest honor the nation of France can bestow on civilian or military personnel, becoming a Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honor.
“This distinction illustrates the profound gratitude that France would like to express to Mr. Lloyd Clifford Tibbatts in recognition of your determination, your courage and professional contribution to the liberation of France, my country of origin,” said Sir Burno Burnichon, the Honorary Consul of France in Winnipeg, before presenting Sir Tibbatts with the prestigious medal.
“France remembers the sacrifice of all your compatriots who came to help liberate France, often losing their life during those fierce battles.”
“More than 50,000 unfortunately did not come home from D Day,” Sir Burnichon continued. “On a more personal note, we are able to gather here today because of this brave soldier and all of his comrades that freed my country France from terror and tyranny. They have demonstrated an unsurpassable act of extreme bravery. Your accomplishment Mr. Tibbatts during the Second World War was a vibrant reminder of the profound and historic friendship that binds France and Canada”.
Lloyd Clifford Tibbatts served in the Canadian Army during World War II from April 13, 1943 to March 30, 1946. He participated in Operation Overlord, landing at 7:45 on the 6th of June, 1944 on the beaches of Normandy of the 150,000 allied troops, who landed or parachuted into the invasion area, 14,000 were Canadians. Approximately 50,000 Canadians did not make it home.
Jean Chapman, Sir Tibbatt’s sister-in-law spoke on his behalf.
“Lloyd thanks everyone involved who have travelled so far to this event,” Mrs. Chapman said. Thank you to the members of the Russell Legion and Earl Smith who organized the event and applied for the award. Lloyd said the other day, he was proud to have served his country and he was very happy to have survived and to be able to come home.”
The French government has given out 1,800 of these medals – 58 of which to Manitobans. Sir Tibbatts was the 39th to receive the award.
Al Marshall, president of the Russell Legion noted that long-time area residents Robert Allen and Ted Yankowski were to have also received the medal but sadly, had both passed over the last year.
Article By: Terrie Welwood