Norman picks up a medal from Poland

HONOUR: Norman Armstrong-Kersh with Colonel Krzysztof Szymanski

UNDRAISER Norman Armstrong-Kersh has a new honour to add to his MBE.

The chief executive of Life For Life Memorial Forests has been awarded the Gold Medal of the Polish Armed Forces at a ceremony in London.

It is the highest accolade for non-Polish citizens in recognition of the promotion of the Polish Armed Forces abroad.

Life for a Life planted a tree in Chadderton Hall Park in April, 2008, to commemorate the contribution that the Polish community made to the Second World War.

The ceremony was part of a military extravaganza organised by Mr Armstrong-Kersh to celebrate the 31st Lancashire Rifle Volunteers, and many Polish ex-servicemen and women took part in the parade.

The charity recently sent 750 boxes containing everything from foot care products and anti-bacterial soap to freeze-dried food to Polish soldiers serving with NATO Forces in Afghanistan.

It will plant a tree in memory of Polish Army General Wladyslaw Anders as part of it’s 10th anniversary celebrations in September.

General Anders defeated the German Army at the battle of Monte Cassino and helped plan Normandy landings. Although he did not settle in Oldham, some people who served with him did.

Life for a Life has also supported new Polish Armed Forces War Memorial that will be unveiled at The National Arboretum on September 19.

Mr Armstrong-Kersh said: ‘In my opinion the Polish community make an incredible contribution to the UK and to our economy notwithstanding the enormous effort Polish people made in the war.”

He was presented with the Gold Medal by personal friend Colonel Krzysztof Szymanski from the Polish Embassy in London.

“The award was a wonderful experience for me and my family,” he said.

“The highlight of this fantastic day was to be in the company of a Polish air force pilot who flew a Spitfire during the Battle of Britain and ladies who fought in the Polish Resistance during the occupation of Warsaw.”