British man, 94, receives France’s Legion d’Honneur for role in Normandy landings
Walter Bingham presented with the award on a French warship in Haifa harbour earlier this month
A British man now living in France has received the Legion d’Honneur, France’s highest award, in a ceremony earlier this month on a French warship in Haifa harbour.
Walter Bingham, 94, who fled to Britain from Germany after Kristallnacht in 1939, took part in the D-Day landings at Normandy in 1944, landing on the beaches as an ambulance driver.
During a moving ceremony onboard the anti-submarine frigate Jean de Vienne, the French ambassador Helene Le Gal pinned the red award to his chest, saying: “France wants to thank you officially for your commitment.”
Last year Bingham, who has worked as a journalist and actor, broke a Guinness world record by becoming the oldest radio talk show host, after making aliyah in 2004.
Amb. @HeleneLeGal awarded Mr. Walter Bingham, a British veteran who lives in #Israel, with Legion of Honor, the highest ???????? order of merit, to honor his participation in Normandy landings, in a ceremony on board of a ???????? fregate in #Haifa pic.twitter.com/VvXeQMh7LX
Jan. 28, 2021Feb. 26, 2019Nov. 13, 2018— La France en Israël (@franceenisrael) February 15, 2018
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.






















