THE LEGION OF HONOUR

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 63, 12 September 1938, Page 5

THE LEGION OF HONOUR

M. Cesar Campinchi, Minister of Marine, staged a scene at Brest when inspecting the French Atlantic fleet, says the "Daily Telegraph and Morning Post." A thousand men were suddenly ordered to stop work and line up before him. When there was silence M. Campinchi asked: "Is Henri Merlet there?" Merlet, a man of 56, who has worked at the arsenal for forty-three years, was pushed forward by his comrades. M. Campinchi pinned the decoration of the Knighthood of the Legion of Honour on Merlet's overalls, and Minister and workman embraced. Merlet was so astonished that he fell into the Minister's arms. M. Campinchi had inquired who was the most deserving workman at the arsenal. He and two high officials were the only persons who knew beforehand that Merlet was to be decorated. Like most Corsicans, M. Campinchi is impetuous. A journalist, he became a barrister, specialising in international law. A few years ago he was wounded in a duel. A more serious wound in the war nearly lost him an arm.

displays of dancing, card and fancy dress parties, a baby show, wrestling, theatricals, and innumerable other attractions. Each evening a different band will be in attendance and at both afternoon' and evening sessions there will be exhibitions of cooking at Cookery Nook. Today's programme includes a talk at 2.30 p.m. by Mrs. Knox Gilmer, her subject being "England and Its Gardens," and Mr. Temple White's Boys' Choir and the Hollinside Players will give performances in the evening.