Newfoundland WW II vet receives France's highest honour

A Newfoundlander who fought in the Second World War received France's Legion of Honour medal this past week.

WAM10:10Gilbert Fowlow - awarded the Legion D'Honneur medal

Gilbert Fowlow is 94 years old. He grew up in Trinity East and fought in World War Two with the 59th Newfoundland regiment as a signaller. Gilbert fought in Normandy and it was his work to liberate France that saw him receive the Legion D'Honneur medal a

Gilbert Fowlow, 94, traveled to Ottawa on Remembrance Day to receive the medal for his work helping to liberate France.

"It comes as a complete surprise to me," Fowlow said during an interview with CBC's Weekend AM

All five of his children were able to travel to Ottawa to be with him for the ceremony.

Fowlow said that the event was a happy and emotional occasion.

During the Second World War he served as a radio operator.

"I was in Normandy from the time of early July, right through to Germany at the end of hostility"

Met Queen Elizabeth II in 1997

But the medal isn't the only honour Fowlow has received over his long life.

In 1997, at the 500th anniversary of John Cabot's landing in Newfoundland, Fowlow was able to speak to Queen Elizabeth II about his time in Normandy during the war.

It was there that he experienced a moment of serendipity.

After speaking with the Queen, a man approached him and the two quickly discovered they had something in common.

They had both fought alongside each other in the war, and not only did they work together, Fowlow's unit also helped save the man's life. 

"That shows that the contribution we made was recognized," said Fowlow.