ONE of the patrons of the Yorkshire Air Museum is to be honoured for his work with the Free French Air Force in the county during the Second World War.
Colonel Robert Nicaise took over the role at the museum at Elvington, near York, following the death of Lieutenant Colonel Louis Bourgain.
He is to be made a Commander of the Legion d'Honneur in France, in recognition of work with L'Association Amicale des Anciens des Groupes Lourdes - the association of French veterans who served in heavy bombers based at Elvington.
The airfield was unique in being wholly operated by the French Air Force at the end of the war, with 2,000 personnel based there. It earned the village the nickname La Petite France.
Col Nicaise was stationed at the base as a Flight Sergeant and wireless operator during 1944 and 1945.
Museum spokesman Ian Richardson said: "Col Nicaise's support for the Yorkshire Air Museum and the Allied Air Forces Memorial has been a source of great support and practical value to all concerned.
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