A South Cheshire D-Day veteran has been awarded the MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for services to volunteering and history.
Bernard Morgan, from Crewe, has been a highly respected volunteer at the Imperial War Museum (IWM) since 2006, contributing to the learning and visitor offer at both the North and London branches.
The 101-year-old continues to support the museum’s ‘We Were There’ activities, and this year he turns 102.
During World War II, he volunteered for the military in 1942 and, after being grounded from flying, he became a front-line Code Breaker in the Code and Cypher unit.
Bernard even found out the Second World War was going to end 48 hours before the rest of the world.
He was working as an RAF codebreaker in 1945 when he deciphered a secret telex which read: “The German war is now over. The surrender is effective some time tomorrow.”
On D-Day on June 6th 1944, he was the youngest RAF sergeant to land on Gold beach, where he was tasked with manning a Bren gun.
He regularly shares his extraordinary D-Day and World War II memories with visitors, and for the 80th anniversary, he participated in a special session at Downing Street and aboard HMS Belfast.
Bernard told Nantwich News: “I am delighted to be recognised by His Majesty King Charles in the New Year honours.
Bernard was one of several people from Cheshire awarded honours, with 97 people from the North West named on His Majesty The King’s New Years Honours List 2026.
Other Cheshire recipients Canon John Thomas Naylor, Music Director of Nantwich Choral, for services to Music; Tara Jones, for services to Rugby League; and Susan Briegal for services to sport.
Tara, 29, has been recognised for her successful transition from a distinguished playing career to a full-time officiating role.
As a player, she was a key hooker and the leading appearance maker for St Helens Women’s team, and she also earned 14 international caps for the England national team, playing in the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.
She made history in April 2024 by becoming the first woman to referee a senior professional men’s rugby league match in the northern hemisphere.
Susan, 63, is a pioneer for Women’s Rowing in the North West, becoming the first female captain of Northwich Rowing Club in 2009.
She then became the first female Chair of Northwest Regional Rowing Council in 2016.
She has also served as a British Rowing Council Member since 2017, representing the Northwest region and contributing to national rowing governance. She is now the Deputy chair of British Rowing.
Cheshire foster carer Margaret Clarke has also been honoured with a BEM.
With her husband’s support, she has been fostering children for 20 years, motivated by her own experience of growing up in residential care. They have provided care to 20 children, including three long-term placements.
She maintains connections between children and their birth families, providing practical support such as decorating a disabled grandmother’s flat, shopping, and hospital visits.
She was nominated by the Fostering Team Manager at Cheshire East Council, who commends her for her resilience, unique perspective on fostering, and her dedication to advocating for children and ensuring their voices are heard.
In total, 1,157 recipients have been awarded this year for their exceptional achievements, with a particular focus being on those who have championed their communities.
Recipients from the North West make up 8% of the total number of recipients receiving honours this year.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This year’s Honours list celebrates the very best of Britain – people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives.
“Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you – and congratulations to everyone recognised today.”
Anyone can nominate someone for an honour.
If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, go to https://www.gov.uk/honours to find out more about how you can put them forward.
Wonderful, richly deserved