A GALASHIELS war hero was awarded the highest French honour this week for his services in France during the Second World War.

John Webster, known affectionately as Jackie, received the Legion d’Honneur at a special wreath laying ceremony and lunch on Monday.

His comrade in combat, George Coltman, has also been awarded the honour - although his medal will be presented at a later date.

On the 70th anniversary of D-Day in June 2014, the French President announced that the Legion d’Honneur would be awarded to all British veterans who fought for the liberation of France during the Second World War.

It is the highest decoration in France and is divided into five degrees. And a humble Jackie is now a Chevalier (Knight), which is the highest rank.

It was a proud and poignant afternoon for the two Gala men, who are the only remaining living members of the 6th (Border) Battalion KOSB to fight in the Second World War.

Relatives and other members of the battalion gathered to celebrate the lives and achievements of the two veterans at the 6th KOSB’s annual lunch at Quins in Galashiels.

Jackie, who will be 97 in August, has lived in Galashiels all his life, except when he was serving. He joined up in 1939 on the outbreak of the Second World War and had his first post in Melrose.

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His weeks there were short lived however and the battalion were soon shipped to South East England for training. He didn’t know it then, but Jackie wouldn’t see his hometown for another six years.

He remembers very clearly the day the Second World War ended 71 years ago, when he was in Northern Germany; news that was met with a mixture of elation, relief, and sombre reflection.

Afterwards, he returned to Gala and married his sweetheart Mae three years later on New Year’s Eve, 1948. They went on to have three children, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. 

“I am very proud and humbled today,” Jackie said. “But the medal is for all of the 6th KOSB, not just for me.”

Jackie grew up at Buckholm Mill cottages with his two younger brothers, one of whom also served in the war but sadly, didn’t return home, and worked in the mill until its closure in 1972. 

He and his wife of 68 years this December now live comfortably in Langlee.

Across the room George Coltman, also Gala born and bred, was sat with his son and grandson. As a young man he worked at McQueen’s printworks in the town for many years and now lives at Tweed Crescent. 

“I’ll be very proud and honoured when I get my medal. Me and Jackie are the only ones left from the battalion, we’re determined to go on it seems!” He joked.

George, who is 95, was recently on a sentimental holiday in Tilburg, Holland; an area which he helped liberate in 1944. He made connections in the area all those years ago and last month, went back to stay with the families of those he met.

Deputy French Consul Emeline Javierre travelled from Edinburgh to present Jackie with his medal. 

She said: “It is very difficult for me to do these things without getting emotional. It is just such an amazing honour to be in the presence of these great and brave men.

“France will never forget the gallantry and bravery veterans showed in taking part in the Liberation 70 years ago. The actions and sacrifice of these men, and that of so many who fell on the battlefield, was instrumental in bringing back freedom and peace in France and across Europe.

“This ceremony is not only the expression of gratitude to men who were ready to give their lives to liberate France. It is also a message to each of us today in Europe: that we shall not forget, that we shall never forget, those who fought for us against terror and division.”