Former Forestburg man receives prestigious honour

Former Forestburg resident William (Bill) Baird received notification in the fall that the Government of Canada, on the advice of the Honours Policy Sub-Committee, approved a request from the Government of the Republic of France to appoint him Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour.

In a separate letter from the Republic of France Ambassador to Canada, Philippe Zeller, Baird was advised that, “This distinction illustrates the profound gratitude that France would like to express to you.

“It is awarded in recognition of your professional involvement in the liberation of our country.

“Through you, France remembers the sacrifice of all of your compatriots who came to liberate French soil, often losing their lives in the process.”

Baird had the opportunity to either receive his decoration in the mail, or at a ceremony at a later date.

Baird was nominated by the Royal Canadian Legion #212, Sylvan Lake Branch, and received his decoration during the branch’s 2014 Remembrance Day Ceremony.

Baird enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1942 at the age of 20, serving in England, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany.

His squadron collected photographic intelligence for the D-Day invasion and of allied air attacks on V-1 launch sites.
Following the invasion in June 1944, it provided tactical photo reconnaissance for the British Second Army.

Baird and his unit landed in France at Juno Beach on June 30, 1944, en route to a forward landing strip near Bayeux, where he saw action in the Normandy Campaign until they moved to Belgium about the last week of August, 1944.

After being honourably discharged in 1946, Baird joined the Forestburg Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion the same year.

He is currently a member of Sylvan Lake Branch No. 212, making 67 years of continuous membership.

Baird has volunteered extensively in support of branch functions, and he was awarded his 50-year Service Medal in 1996.

Work obligations limited Baird’s participation in all the Legion’s activities, but he significantly contributed to his country and his comrades in recording military history.

His personal experiences and original on-site photographs from Eindhoven, Holland are featured in the book Bodenplatte: The Luftwaffe’s Last Hope – The Attack on Allied Airfields, New Year’s Day 1945, by John Manrho and Ron Pütz.

At the age of 91, declining health that is partly a consequence of his wartime activities, limits his Legion participation to Remembrance Day Services, Military Anniversaries, and similar functions.

Along with the Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour, Baird has also been awarded the following:
Military Service Honours include the 1939-45 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal, the War Medal, The Canadian volunteer Service Medal with bar, a Medal of Remembrance “Thank you Canada 1945 (Netherlands),” the Royal Canadian Legion 50-year Long Service medal with 65-year bar, the 65-Year Long Service Lapel Badge, and the 75th Anniversary Medal.

When Sylvan Lake Legion first Vice-President Gordon Graham presented Baird with the honour, he said, “Comrade Baird, the Royal Canadian Legion is proud of the honour that has been bestowed upon you; proud of the honour that you have brought to your comrades, your community and your country; I am honoured to have been asked by you to present this award.

“On behalf of the Republic of France, I present you with the Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour Medal.”

Thank you to Alaire Oberg, who corresponded with Mr. Baird, and provided the photos and history that he mailed to her.