26/01/10 Resistance fighter becomes honorary citizen of Thame

A THAME man who ate photographs of his French Resistance friends before being interrogated by the Gestapo, has become an Honorary Citizen of Thame.

Arthur Staggs, who is now 97 years old, worked as a secret agent in German occupied France during World War II, using his guile and knowledge of the French language to avoid discovery.

He was officially presented with his honour by Tim Stevenson, Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, during a special party held yesterday at Meadowcroft care home, Towersey Road, Thame, where he now lives.

Arthur is only the third person in the town to receive the prestigious title in recognition of his courageous contribution to the French Resistance.

Arthur?s name will be displayed on the Honours Board on the wall of the Council Chamber in Thame Town Hall, alongside that of Len Webb and David Dodds, and he has a certificate to commemorate the occasion to keep.

Arthur received the Legion d?Honneur, in recognition of his heroic work in 2005, by the people of France, and is one of only nine World War II veterans to receive the award.

After reading one of his own poems, dedicated to a friend, Arthur said: ?I am thrilled to receive such a prestigious title. I have lived in Thame for 52 years and am very humbled to be named as one of its few honorary citizens.?

Arthur’s daughter, Ann Freeman, who sat by his side for much of the evening, told Thamenews.net that her father had not always been able to talk so openly about what he went through during the war, and the many friends he lost in operations.

“For many years after the war, dad wasn’t in the best of health and mother told me that we were not to question him about his army days,” she explained. “It wasn’t until I was 16 years old, and we went on holiday to France and there were all these people there to honour dad, that I learnt about what he had done.”

Dan Hayes, County Director of the Order of St John Trust, which runs Meadowcroft, said: “It is wonderful to see Arthur being awarded this honour. He is a very popular character at Meadowcroft and has many fascinating stories to tell residents and staff about his life.

?He has had an exciting few months, having met the Duke of Kent at the opening of Meadowcroft in October last year and now receiving this special award. We are all very proud of him.?

Cllr Matelot Green said: ?As Mayor of Thame, I am delighted to have had the opportunity to propose that Arthur should become an Honorary Citizen of Thame, particularly as we are both half French!?

You can read more about Arthur’s war experiences and how he came to working behind enemy lines, by clicking on the LINK

PHOTO: Arthur Staggs receives Honoury Citizenship of Thame from The Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Tim Stevenson. His daughter, Ann Freeman shares his special moment.