On Tuesday 8th November, Mr Leslie John Skeet, father to Mrs Mason (our school medical lead) was presented with the Legion d’Honneur Medal by Mr Robert Mille, French Consol to the West Midlands in our school chapel, at the request of Mrs Mason.

The Legion d’Honneur – or Legion of Honour – is the highest French order for military and civil merits, established 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte. Mr Mille was Deputy Headteacher at Holy Trinity before his retirement.

Present were members of Mr Skeet’s family, past and present colleagues, friends and a number of our students. Our students and staff formed a guard of honour for Mr Skeet on the way to the ceremony. Mr Crehan, our Headteacher, welcomed everyone on behalf of Holy Trinity Catholic School and Mr Steve Brown shared a very informative PowerPoint about the actions Mr Skeet took part in during the Normandy landings.

On behalf of the French President Mr Mille presented the Legion d’Honneur medal and as a true solider Mr Skeet stood to attention to receive this most prestigious award.

Following the ceremony our students were invited to ask Mr Skeet some questions which he answered eloquently. All guests were able to share a buffet in the Headteachers office afterwards. How humbling and what an honour for Holy Trinity to share in this historic event.