Douglas Cracknell (Hon OF)

Douglas Cracknell (Hon OF) was just 18 when he set on the Normandy beaches straight into the thick of the action to liberate France.

Like so many of his generation, he rarely talked about his experiences during the Second World War, even as he was made a Chevalier of the Legion d’Honneur for his exploits in Normandy on Monday 14 April in the College Chapel.

He was made an Hon OF in 2024 at the age of 99. He had worked in the College kitchens as a server and cleaner after leaving school at just 14 years of age.

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“It really is so overwhelming,”  said Douglas, “I just did what I thought we had to do, like so many others. I never thought I would be here, in this place receiving this medal. I didn’t think I’d live to see 21.”