A PORT Macquarie World War II veteran has returned home after receiving a hero’s welcome in France.
Fighter pilot Snow Davis flew combat missions in support of D-Day and the allied advance into occupied Europe.
He was part of a Department of Veterans’ Affairs commemorative mission which saw seven Australian World War II veterans, all pilots or aircrew, take part in activities marking the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy.
The veterans spent time with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, various French ministers and officials and were personally thanked for their service by Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II after a service at the Bayeux war cemetery on the D-Day anniversary, 6 June.
Following the main activities on the group, which was accompanied by the Australian Defence Force’s ceremonial unit, the Federation Guard travelled to the tiny village of Ellon, where Mr Davis flew combat operations as a young Mustang pilot.
“I’ve been thinking about coming back to Ellon, ever since I received the invitation to join the commemorative mission,” he said.
“I’ve done a fair bit of homework and while the place had changed, my memories of living and flying here are very vivid.”
Following an intimate ceremony at the Australian national memorial at Ellon, Mr Davis, his fellow veterans and the Federation Guard were invited back to the mayor’s house, where they enjoyed a backyard lunch.
“So many people came up to me and asking for my autograph – the French people have been truly happy to meet us and say thank you,” he said.
The veterans were also awarded the French Legion of Honour during a ceremony in Caen, and the Normandy Veterans’ Association medallion.
