WARTIME RESISTANCE HEROINE RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD FROM MILITARY CHARITY

A former French Resistance heroine, who then devoted the rest of her working life caring for the personnel and families of British servicemen, has received a distinguished service award from her former employers, SSAFA Forces Help (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen & Families Association).

Nicola Trahan, 81, who lives in Orcheston, near Salisbury, received her award for 50 years’ service with SSAFA from its Chief Executive, Major General Andrew Cumming, together with a letter of appreciation from the SSAFA National Chairman.

In 1943, as a young 17 year old girl, Ms Trahan, whose mother was French, was parachuted into German-occupied France to work with the French Resistance. Twice more during the next two years she returned to carry out vital and dangerous work which helped to defeat the Nazis. For her bravery, she was awarded the Croix de Guerre and Medaille de la Reconnaissance Française by the French government.

After the War, as a qualified nurse and midwife, Ms Trahan joined SSAFA as a Health
Visitor, working in France, Germany and Belgium, where large numbers of Army personnel and their families were posted. For her dedicated service, she was awarded the MBE.

In 1988, Ms Trahan returned to the UK and settled in Orcheston. Almost immediately, she rejoined SSAFA, this time as a voluntary Case Worker and, for twenty years, she has carried on her valuable work, this time caring for service personnel and their families in Wiltshire.

Now 81, she remains a valued member of her local community, where she is treasurer of her local church and as a volunteer helper at Salisbury Cathedral.

Major General Cumming said: “Nicola Trahan is a truly inspirational lady, who has dedicated her life to the care of others. It was an enormous privilege to present her with this award, which she so richly deserves.”

More information from:

Nicola Trahan or David Hide
Tel: 01980 621023 Tel: 01666 825501/07887 923353