Moonee Ponds born Strathmore resident Laurie Larmer is to be awarded France’s Legion of Honour for his service as an air force pilot with Bomber Command in World War Two.

 

The Legion of Honour is France’s highest honour.

 

Mr Larmer flew Halifax bombers and completed 9 sorties during his time in the Royal Airforce. He served in Bomber Command along with 10,000 other Australians,  3,500 of whom were killed in action.

 

“It’s hard enough to imagine let alone put into words what the fellows in Bomber Command went through high above Europe in World War Two,” said Federal Member for Maribyrnong Bill Shorten.

 

“The losses were incredible. Out of 125,000 airmen, 55,573 were killed. More than 44 men in a hundred were lost.”

 

“Thankfully Laurie Larmer returned to us. He has gone on to have a family, a successful businesses and become a life member of the Australian Labor Party."

 

“The Legion of Honour is an extraordinarily high honour, France’s highest. I congratulate Laurie for his service and welcome this recognition.”

 

“I know Laurie is a humble bloke and wouldn’t want to make a fuss about all this, but when people do extraordinary things, especially in the service of their country, they ought to be recognised.”

 

Laurie will receive the award in Melbourne.

 

 

Thursday, 28 MAY 2015

 

Media Contact: James Kenyon 03 9326 1300