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French school named after Second World War veteran




One charming medieval village in Normandy shares a special connection with a local Second World War veteran.

The Cecil Newton Primary School in Creully Sur Seulles is named after Cecil Newton, a veteran tank gunner who served in the liberation of Western Europe.

After reading our recent interview with Mr Newton, 99, the school spoke more with newburytoday about its cherished bond with the veteran, who now lives in Aldbourne.

Cecil Newton attending the school's renaming ceremony in 2018, standing beside the Mayor of Creully sur Seulles Thierry Ozenne, left
Cecil Newton attending the school's renaming ceremony in 2018, standing beside the Mayor of Creully sur Seulles Thierry Ozenne, left

So why is the school named after Mr Newton?

"Until 2017, our establishment bore the name of 'the school at the end of the field', because our school was then surrounded by fields and it was a name the students had chosen," explained a school spokesperson.

"Housing estates came to surround it over the years and the municipality of Creully gave the task to our students to rename the school.

"Cecil Newton, being one of the veterans who freed Creully and still being present at the June 6 commemorations, giving his name to the school seemed obvious to us."

Decorated war veteran, Cecil Newton, age 99
Decorated war veteran, Cecil Newton, age 99

They also spoke of what the service and sacrifice of men like Mr Newton means to the people of France today.

"The French people are aware of the sacrifice of men like Cecil Newton, who committed themselves in the name of freedom and democratic values ​​flouted by fascism, and pay homage to them every year, especially in Normandy during the commemorations of the landing," they added.

"The news, to which our students are very sensitive, can only reinforce the idea that schools must continue to teach the duty of memory so that children understand the issues."

Some of the ways the school teaches its children about the Second World War includes history lessons, commemorative services and visits to memorial sites.

A tribute to Mr Newton by the Cecil Newton Primary School in Creully sur Seulles, a French village he helped liberate
A tribute to Mr Newton by the Cecil Newton Primary School in Creully sur Seulles, a French village he helped liberate

"Apart from our strong link with Mr Newton, we are committed to helping our students discover the United Kingdom through trips that we have organized for years," the school added.

"The health crisis has put a stop to these stays. But the prospect of a twinning between Creully and Highcliffe gives renewed impetus to our deep interest in your country."

Cecil Newton visiting pupils at the Cecil Newton Primary School in June 2022. Behind him, teachers hold his portrait commissioned by HRH King Charles III
Cecil Newton visiting pupils at the Cecil Newton Primary School in June 2022. Behind him, teachers hold his portrait commissioned by HRH King Charles III

Mr Newton visited Normandy almost every year to take part in reunions and commemorative services. Last year marked his final visit, as he is no longer able to travel, or in his own words: "It nearly polished me off."

Last year, the schoolchildren greeted Mr Newton and posed for a photo, while two teachers held up his portrait.

The portrait is part of an exhibition of 12 pictures of D-Day veterans commissioned by the then Prince Charles in 2014 to mark the 70th anniversary of D-Day.



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