Better late than never. Second World War veterans Ian and Betty Wilson were decorated Tuesday with two certificates, a pin, and a medal they never knew they were entitled to.
The couple, who met during the war, each received a Certificate of Recognition signed by the Prime Minister of Canada. But Betty, who had no formal recognition for her time in the British Royal Women’s Auxiliary, was the star of the show at Deer Lodge Tuesday afternoon.
After 70 years, Betty was given Her Majesty’s Armed Forces Veterans Badge and the War Medal 1939-1945 for service to her country.
The awards were presented by Col. Andy Cook, Wing Commander at 17 Wing Winnipeg, who said the presentation was the highlight of his time in Winnipeg so far.
“To be able to present a medal from the Second World War is beyond words,” said Cook. “They didn't do it for fanfare. They didn't do it because they wanted to be recognized. They did it because it was the right thing to do."
It was the Wilson’s grandson Jean-Paul Rochon who did the research and applications for these accolades.
"They never complained about their service. They never ever once said that someone owed them something, and I just wanted to get my grandma the recognition she's entitled to," he said.
Rochon said it started with the certificates and just snowballed from there.
"Low and behold, she was entitled to a badge similar to the Canadian one and her war medal," he said.
Betty says she will now have to find a safe place for her new insignia, and she plans to wear them on special occasions.
