A Second World War hero celebrated his 99th birthday last week by being awarded the highest military award issued by the French government.
Former Flight Lieutenant Ernie Holmes, a resident of the Perth’s Kincarrathie House care home, celebrated his milestone birthday on January 29 by receiving membership as a Chevalier of the Légion d’Honneur.
Ernie was a Lancaster bomber pilot and flew many missions over occupied France.
Last week, he received a letter signed by the French Ambassador which confirmed the highest French order of merit for military and civil achievements had been conferred.
Ernie was invited to the Netherlands 15 months ago to unveil a memorial to the crew of his plane where it was shot down in South Holland in May 1943, with the loss of five members of the eight-man crew.
Mr Holmes, who is one of the last surviving Lancaster Bombers, made an emotional trip overseas to meet those who helped keep him safe when his plane was gunned down.
He had been on his way home after a night-time bombing raid in Germany when his aircraft came under attack.
The Lancaster crashed over the Netherlands but Mr Holmes parachuted to safety and was taken in by farmer Fons van der Heijden, a member of the Dutch resistance.
Just days before the region was liberated, Fons, who had harboured many servicemen and with whom Ernie shared a birthday, was taken out of church by Nazis and shot.
Speaking in 2018, Mr Holmes said: “These were good people who risked everything, to keep me safe. There is no greater love, than he who will give himself for another.”
Ernie’s son David said: “He received a letter signed by French Ambassador Catherine Colonna which recognises Ernie’s military engagement and steadfast involvement in the Liberation of France during the Second World War.”
“This was Ernie’s first birthday since the death of his wife Irene last August and he was very ill over Christmas and the first weeks of 2020.
“However, he recovered in time to celebrate with his son and daughter and says he is now looking forward to his centennial.”
