Lancaster War Hero To Be Handed Highest Civic Honours.

A 101-year-old Lancaster veteran who stormed Gold Beach in 1944 is to be granted the Honorary Freedom of the City - one of the highest civic distinctions.

Lancaster City Councillors last night approved the honour on Richard Brock, who will become only the seventh recipient this millennium, recognising his extraordinary service during WWII.

Mr Brock enlisted with the East Lancashire Regiment in 1943 and on June 8, 1944, after his ship was delayed by fierce weather, he landed on Gold Beach in Normandy two days after D-Day.

He fought through the bitter struggle for Caen before joining Operation Market Garden in Holland, where he saw action at Arnhem - the battle immortalised in A Bridge Too Far – and by the winter of 1944, he was locked in fighting in the Battle of the Bulge.

He witnessed unimaginable scenes of horror and death at Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp when driving an interpreter to the deadly camp two days after it was liberated.

His war ended in Hamburg, where he remained with the occupation forces until returning home in 1947 – only one of 19 to survive of the 130 men in his company.

The French Legion d’Honneur was bestowed on him for his role in liberating France.

Mayor Councillor Margaret Pattison said: “Richard Brock is a local war hero and is believed to be the last surviving member of the East Lancs Regiment.

“He gave so much of his life for his country that to bestow this honour seems entirely appropriate.”

The Freedom of the City is a rare honour, reserved for those who have rendered eminent services to Lancaster or the district.

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

While largely ceremonial today, the tradition dates back to the Middle Ages, when Freemen enjoyed commercial privileges and influence in civic affairs.

Mr Brock will be formally presented with the award at a Special Meeting of Council in the New Year.

Last updated: 17 December 2025