An inspiring war veteran from Bracknell has been honoured for his efforts in the liberation of France during the Second World War.
Stanley Booker, 98, has been awarded the Legion D’Honneur which recognises his military engagement and steadfast involvement between 1939 and 1945.
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A special VE day flypast flew over Stanley Booker's home on May 8, 2020
Barry Dickens, Air Commodore Ret’t, Chairman of SSAFA Berkshire, said: “Squadron Leader Booker was a Bomber Command navigator in World War 2. He was shot down over occupied France, captured and eventually ended up in a concentration camp. Thanks to Luftwaffe intervention he was released into their charge and finally came home in 1945.
"He packed more into the first 20 or so years of his life than most would in their whole lifetime. Modest and unassuming his survival after bailing out of his stricken aircraft is a testimony to his courage, fortitude, and strength of character.
Sqn.Ldr Stanley Booker MBE RAF (Rtd) was originally born in Gillingham, Kent but has lived in Bracknell ever since after joined the RAF as an apprentice at the age of 17.
He trained as an Observer in Wales and then joined 10 Sqn as a Navigator flying Halifax Bombers.
On the night of June 3, 1944, his Halifax was shot down in flames and crashed near Dreux, in France. His pilot and wireless operator were killed and other members of the crew escaped by parachute, eventually finding refuge with various members of the France resistance.
Stanley was hidden by members of the resistance but was betrayed to the Gestapo by a Belgium traitor.
He was captured and sustained many brutal interrogations by the SS and Gestapo and interned in Fresnes prison where he was denied Prisoner of War status.
His harrowing experience led to a lifelong campaign for recognition of the Allied Airmen and SOE agents who were tortured and incarcerated in the camps.
In 1946, Stanley travelled to France in search of the graves of his pilot and wireless operator, and to say thank you to the members of the France Resistance who protected him.
After the war ended, Stanley continued his career in the RAF and in 1948, joined 206 Squadron at Lyneham and flew on the Berlin Air Lift to deliver food and essential supplies to the German population.
Then in 1951, Stanley was recruited to work for British Intelligence in Hamburg and Berlin and undertook secret intelligence gathering of Soviet activities during the Cold War.
He was later awarded an MBE by the Queen for his work in the British Intelligence.
He was appointed the rank of Chevalier in the Ordre national de la Légion d’Honneur by decree of 21st December 2020.
Last year, Stanley shared his story with SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity to remember 75 years since VE Day and hopes to release an autobiography titled ‘Surviving Buchenwald, with proceeds going to SSAFA.
Mr Dickens added: "Stanley has the greatest respect for the work that SSAFA do. He has made few calls on SSAFA but knows the charity is there for him if needed.
“His award of becoming a Chevalier in the Ordre National de la Legion d' Honneur is richly deserved.”
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