Michael Brennan – Légion d’Honneur

Michael Brennan’s involvement in World War II began with his enlistment in the 1st Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment in June 1943 aged 18. Almost exactly one year later he participated in the D-Day landings on Gold Beach, where his unit faced heavy casualties but successfully captured key enemy positions. 

The battalion’s subsequent operations, included the liberation of Villers Bocage, Amiens, Arras, and Brussels. Challenges faced included encountering German Panzer divisions, and being wounded at Arnhem, which led to his evacuation to England. The battalion’s subsequent operations, included the liberation of Villers Bocage, Amiens, Arras, and Brussels. Challenges faced included encountering German Panzer divisions, and his injury near Arnhem, which led to his evacuation to England.

After recuperation, Brennan was promoted to Staff Sergeant with VE Day occurring just one day before his 20th birthday. He was subsequently posted to an Officer Cadet Training Unit (OCTU) to help with training.