102-year-old Second World War veteran George Beardshaw receives honorary doctorate from Laurier

A 102-year-old WWII veteran received an honorary doctorate from Wilfrid Laurier university. CTV’s Reta Ismail reports.

One of Canada’s last surviving World War II veterans is adding another honour to his remarkable legacy.

At 102 years old, Sir George Beardshaw received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Wilfrid Laurier University during its spring convocation ceremonies earlier this month, recognizing a lifetime of military service, resilience and advocacy.

Beardshaw, a resident of the Veterans Care Program at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute in London, says he was humbled by the recognition.

“I am completely overwhelmed, yes, I’ll tell you,” Beardshaw said.

The honorary degree is the latest accolade for the decorated veteran, who served with the Queen’s Own Rifles during the Second World War and spent the final 28 days of the conflict as a prisoner of war after being captured in the Netherlands.

His journey to Canada began years before the war.

At the age of 14, Beardshaw arrived in Canada as a British home child, part of a program that saw more than 100,000 children from Britain sent overseas, often alone, to work on farms.

Today, he is recognized as one of Canada’s last surviving veterans who also arrived through the British Home Child Program.

“George’s life story is one of resilience, bravery and service,” said Kelly Morrison of Wilfrid Laurier University’s Department of History. “In the 80 years since the end of the Second World War, George has been a proud member of Canada’s veteran community and a dedicated advocate for the recognition of the lived experiences of British home children in this country.”

Throughout the decades, Beardshaw has become a familiar figure at military commemorations and community events, sharing his experiences from the war and educating Canadians about the history of the British Home Children Program.

His efforts have earned him numerous honours, including France’s Legion of Honour, the country’s highest distinction, and the King Charles III Coronation Medal.

Judy Helle, Beardshaw’s goddaughter, said the recognition is well deserved.

“He is deserving because he has been out in the community speaking about war time for many years and many military events and tell us about home children as well,” Helle said.

Despite the growing list of awards, Beardshaw has maintained his trademark sense of humour.

“Quit giving me awards, you got to stop,” he joked after receiving the honorary degree.

Beardshaw will celebrate his 103rd birthday in September. Those closest to him say his contributions, both as a veteran and as an advocate for British home children, have left a lasting impact on generations of Canadians.