SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Brave Briton Award for Second World War hero

A SECOND World War hero from Somerset who risked his life day after day behind enemy lines has won a prestigious Brave Briton award.

Major Richard Hargreaves, from South Petherton, near Yeovil, scooped the Outstanding Military Bravery category of the Charles Holland Awards for Brave Britons, organised by hearing specialists Amplifon.

Falklands hero Simon Weston presented Major Hargreaves with the award at a special luncheon at the Churchill War Rooms in London.

The 96-year-old holds both the Military Cross and the French Legion d’Honneur in recognition of his heroism in campaigns in Europe.

As part of the Allied Invasion of Italy, he led his men during a three-month battle against German forces which culminated in a daring night attack to seize the Laterza Bridge in the Apulia region.

He later parachuted into Southern France as part of Operation Dragoon, fighting off German forces who were trying to prevent the Allies from liberating the region.

Major Hargreaves later served in Greece, helping to drive out German forces and engaging in difficult street fighting with Greek communist guerillas who were trying to bring Athens under Russian control.

PHOTO – TOP: Major Richard Hargreaves (centre) receives his award from Falklands War veteran Simon Weston (right) and Craig Sevens, chief executive officer of Amplifon UK.

PHOTO – RIGHT: Major Richard Hargreaves of South Petherton.

Major Hargreaves, who was a waiter at The Savoy prior to fighting in the Second World War and later became a director of the Savoy Group, said: “I was very surprised and honoured when I heard that I had been nominated. And I was even more surprised to hear my name called out during the event.

“It was wonderful. I think the idea of the Amplifon awards is an excellent one. I am enormously impressed by the entire event and the stories of the other nominees. It is a little bit overwhelming to be honest. I enjoyed meeting every one of the other finalists.”

The overall winner of the four categories was double amputee and church minister Mark McGowan, of Farnborough, Hampshire, who also won the Community Champion title and an all-expenses paid trip to Italy where Amplifon was founded.

Mark lost both legs at the age of just 21 months because of rare a bone condition but went on to dedicate his life to help improve the lives of others.

Global hearing specialist Amplifon launched its search to find The Best Of British in memory of its founder and Second World War hero Charles Holland who was honoured for his bravery by Britain and America.

The awards recognised members of the public and existing and ex-military personnel who have shown ­– like Charles Holland – remarkable acts of courage, bravery and incredible selflessness, showing them to be The Best of British.

More information about the Brave Briton Award finalists can be found here - http://www.amplifon.com/web/uk/-/news_220816_charles_holland .

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