D-Day veteran 'thrilled' at Freedom of City honour

A D-Day veteran who "never expected to come back" from war said he was "absolutely thrilled and honoured" to be granted the Honorary Freedom of Lancaster.

Richard Brock, 101, said: "You're seeing your mates going and you're thinking 'I'm 20, I've had a good life, it's me next'."

In the battles that followed the Normandy landings in June 1944, all but 19 of the 130 men in Sgt Brock's company - part of the East Lancashire Regiment - were killed.

Lancaster City Council said he deserved to be recognised for "his extraordinary service during World War Two".

Later in the war, Mr Brock witnessed more scenes of horror and death after driving an interpreter to the Bergen-Belsen concentraton camp two days after it was liberated.

The French Legion d'Honneur has also been bestowed on him for his role in liberating France.

Lancaster's mayor, Councillor Margaret Pattison, said Mr Brock was "a local war hero".

"He gave so much of his life for his country that to bestow this honour seems entirely appropriate," she said.

Previous recipients include Councillor Abbot Bryning in 2023 and Cedric Robinson, Queen's Guide To The Sands, in 2014.

In the Middle Ages, Freemen enjoyed commercial privileges and influence in civic affairs.

Mr Brock will be formally presented with his award in the New Year.

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