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Roy Grose awarded Croix de Guerre for acts of heroism in France

When Roy Grose picked up his post at his Rainham home he noticed a small package among the bills and junk mail.

On closer inspection he saw it was stamped with the words “French Embassy”.

Mr Grose, 92, ripped it open to discover the prestigious Croix de Guerre medal which is awarded for acts of heroism in the liberation of France in the Second World War. He already has the Legion d’honneur.

Raymond Grose has already been awarded the Legion d'honneur
Raymond Grose has already been awarded the Legion d'honneur

Double amputee Mr Grose, who ended up marrying a German woman, has already got a clutch of medals but he is particularly proud of the military decoration bestowed to him by France 72 years after D-Day.

He said: “It’s fantastic news and I am now awaiting news about the official presentation which I am determined to go to.”

Mr Grose was called up to the Royal Army Ordnance Corps in 1943 on his 18th birthday and trained in infantry, as a driver and cinema projectionist.

He said: “The last job made me a popular man. I was in charge of two projectors and a generator and on rest days would put on a film show usually outside but in a barn or something if we could find shelter.”

Mr Grose, of Arthur Road, made many friends during the conflict, all of whom have since died.

He said: “The camaraderie was fantastic and something you could never replace. Everyone in the Army was a friend. I am the only one left now.

Raymond was honoured for heroism in France
Raymond was honoured for heroism in France

“We were all called up for service and did our bit for our country. I would like to think, God forbid, if there was another war youngsters of today would do the same.

“So many died. You would go on parade in the morning and the next day so-and-so wouldn’t be there.”

After war ended he went with his regiment to Hamburg, Germany where he met his future wife, a hairdresser.

The couple married at Chatham Register Office in 1947, living in Gillingham and then at their current home of nearly 60 years.

Mr Grose got work as a bus conductor and then as an electrician at Elliott Brothers in Rochester, now BAE Systems. It was a job he wanted to do when he left Temple School, which is now Strood Academy.

Raymond Grose during his service days
Raymond Grose during his service days

He joined the Home Guard known as “Dad’s Army,” when he was 15 and is still a member of Sittingbourne and Milton Regis Royal British Legion,

He was chairman of the Poppy Appeal for nearly 15 years but poor health in recent years has led to losing both his legs and he is now mostly housebound. His wife died four years ago and he relies on brother John, 75, who lives nearby for company .

He said: “This medal is special to me. It’s taken 70 years, but it has been worth the wait.”

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