SAINT HELIER, May 8. /Dunyo IA/. A solemn ceremony for the presentation of the Order of “Dustlik” (Friendship) took place on the island of Jersey, honoring the family of John and Phyllis Emily Le Breton, British couple saved the life of Uzbek soldier Bokijon Akramov during World War II after he escaped from a Nazi concentration camp, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

On the eve of May 9 - Remembrance and Honour Day — we once again remember the people who made a tremendous contribution to the victory over fascism, as their courage and heroism receive high recognition. More than 80 years later, one episode of the Second World War remains a symbol of mercy and humanity between nations. In recognition of this feat, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev posthumously awarded British citizens John and Phyllis Emily Le Breton the Order of “Dustlik” (Friendship).

Ambassador of Uzbekistan to London, Ravshan Usmanov, visited the island of Jersey and solemnly presented the high awards to their children - Dulcie and Alan Le Breton - as well as the family’s grandchildren.

The ceremony was held at the “Cheval Roc” residential home, where Dulcie Le Breton is currently undergoing treatment. The event was attended by the facility's management and residents, representatives of “Jersey Heritage” and journalists from the BBC, ITV, and other local media outlets.

Speaking at the ceremony, the facility's director, Nick Bethany, expressed his gratitude to the leadership of Uzbekistan for their high appraisal of the humanity shown by the British family toward the Uzbek soldier. He particularly noted the symbolism of the award being presented on the eve of the 81^st anniversary of the liberation of Jersey from Nazi occupation, celebrated on May 9.

According to Nick Bethany, this is not only a tribute to history but also a vivid example of respect for human dignity, mutual trust, and kind-hearted relations between nations.

Dulcie and Alan Le Breton emotionally recalled their parents and expressed their sincere gratitude to the people of Uzbekistan. They emphasized that fascism posed a threat to all of humanity and that victory was achieved through the unity and mutual assistance of nations.

The Le Breton family also shared warm memories of Bokijon Akramov. According to them, his hard work, modesty, and kindness quickly won the love of the entire family. Relatives recalled that the Uzbek soldier quickly mastered the English language and was known among his loved ones as “Uncle Tom”.

The story that began during the war years has today become a touching symbol of friendship between the peoples of Uzbekistan and Great Britain. The event received extensive coverage from the BBC and other leading British media outlets.

Sometimes nations are united not by diplomatic agreements, but by the courage, kindness, and nobility of ordinary people. The feat of John and Phyllis Le Breton will forever remain one of the most vivid examples of genuine humanity.

Jersey is the largest of the Channel Islands located in the English Channel. In July 1940, the island was occupied by the Nazis, who built underground bunkers and tunnels there, used as a military hospital and for other purposes.

Bokijon Akramov, who worked as an ordinary teacher, was mobilized after Nazi Germany attacked the Soviet Union and sent to Ukraine. In one of the battles, German troops killed 12,000 Soviet soldiers, and many survivors, including Akramov, were taken prisoner.

“Uncle Tom” was held in various concentration camps, and in July 1942, along with two thousand other prisoners of war, he was brought to Jersey to build tunnels. After months of famine and severe trials, he managed to escape from captivity. The Le Breton family gave the escaped soldier refuge in their home and hid him from the Nazis for almost three years. In May 1945, Bokijon Akramov returned to Uzbekistan.

Despite the deadly danger to themselves and their three children, John and Phyllis Emily Le Breton demonstrated the highest form of human nobility. Eighty-one years later, their feat has received high recognition from the President of Uzbekistan.