When the ladies of a Bayside Opportunity shop were checking a donation of clothes, household goods and bric a brac, they got a little more than they bargained for. Amongst the latter they found an old cigarette box. Rather than discard it, experience has taught them to check everything and just as well because inside the box were the service medals of Gunner Neil MAHER. As well there was his, RSL Badge, his Returned from Active Service Badge, and his Extremely Disabled War Veteran's Badge.
They then contacted Len BUTCHER a former Signals Warrant Officer, Len a returned serviceman himself, recognising the medals and the badges and contacted the State Branch of the RSL. In turn Len was referred to Bill and so together the search for Neil's family began.
What made the find so interesting is that the medals have never been mounted, the ribbons are as bright, and the medals as shiny as the day they were first issued. Even more interesting is that Neil may have been eligible for the 1939-45 Star, as well as the Pacific Star. The family has now made an application to see what medals he was actually eligible for and to claim any that may still be outstanding.
They then contacted Len BUTCHER a former Signals Warrant Officer, Len a returned serviceman himself, recognising the medals and the badges and contacted the State Branch of the RSL. In turn Len was referred to Bill and so together the search for Neil's family began.
What made the find so interesting is that the medals have never been mounted, the ribbons are as bright, and the medals as shiny as the day they were first issued. Even more interesting is that Neil may have been eligible for the 1939-45 Star, as well as the Pacific Star. The family has now made an application to see what medals he was actually eligible for and to claim any that may still be outstanding.
The medal returned tally is now 854.
hi there, i was wondering if i could re-post this on the i op therefore i am website?
ReplyDeleteHi Amelia, I've sent you an email.
ReplyDeleteGlyn