The 93-year-old recipient of several major military honours including France’s highest military award the ‘Croix de Guerre’, was an Australian attached to the UK Bomber Command in England during the second World War.

In an incredible feat of survival, Mr Anderson flew 43 missions over Europe at a time when the average life expectancy of a bomber command crew member was just seven missions.

Inverell’s inaugural Quilt of Valour presentation comes after local quilter Cara Drew learnt about the program. 

According to Mrs Drew’s husband, John Drew, the program was introduced after an informal quilt presentation was made to an Australian soldier injured in a helicopter crash while serving in Afghanistan

“He was in a serious condition in hospital in Germany where had in his possession a hand made quilt,” Mr Drew said. “At the time of release he neatly folded up the quilt and handed it to the hospital staff.

“He was immediately informed that the quilt was his and it had been made for him. This was accepted by him in such a compassionate way and it meant so much he proudly took possession of the quilt.”

Local quilting group, Sisters in Stitches, made the quilt and Inverell RSL nominated Mr Anderson as the first recipient. The presentation was made by Stan Allen State Co-ordinator for the Quilts of Valour program. 

“Keith was very emotional upon receipt of the quilt,” Mr Drew said. “The compassion and emotion of the presentation had many on the verge or tears including me.”

Mr Anderson’s son and daughter-in-law also attended the ceremony along with some of his grandchildren and great grandchildren who were visiting from London. 

Inverell RSL sub-branch secretary Graeme Clinch said the next local “quilt of valour” presentation will be on Armistice Day 2018.