Appeal after grandfather’s World War 1 medals stolen from veteran in Armistice Day burglary – Broadwell, near Carterton

Thames Valley Police is appealing for information after burglars stole a military veteran’s grandfather’s World War 1 medals, plus some of his own, from his home in Broadwell, near Carterton, on Armistice Day (11/11).

The victim, a man aged in his sixties, was out paying his respects at a special Armistice Day event at his old school, when the burglary occurred.

Between 11.30am and 4pm on Tuesday, offenders gained entry to the victim’s property in the village by smashing a rear window before stealing a number of medals of huge sentimental value.

The First World War medals stolen were the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal, all of which were engraved with the service details of the victim’s grandfather, Driver John Ball.

The victim, who served for 39 years in the Royal Engineers after joining as a boy in 1976, also had many of his miniature/dress service medals stolen:

• GSM Northern Ireland
• Afghanistan
• Iraq with Bar
• Kosovo
• Accumulated Campaign Service Medal
• Two Jubilee Medals
• Long Service and Good Conduct Medal

Thankfully, his own awarded service medals were not taken, as he was wearing those at the Armistice Day event.

The service of remembrance the victim was attending was particularly poignant for him as he and three school friends cycled the Western Front Way earlier this year to honour the fallen from his old school to raise money for the Royal British Legion.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Mark Lowman, of the Oxfordshire Priority Crime Team, said: “Burglaries of all kinds are horrendous offences, which are so invasive and cause great upset and harm to victims.

“But what makes this particular case so sad is that these medals were stolen on the very day that is there to remember all those who served around the world.

“The World War 1 medals belonging to the victim’s grandfather are of such priceless sentimental value, I am appealing to anybody who has any information to help us to reunite them with the victim and bring the offenders to justice.

“I would also appeal to antique dealers or medal specialists; if you have been offered any of these unique and special medals, or if anybody has recently purchased a medal and you do not know where they have come from, please get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information should make a report via our website or by calling 101, quoting reference 43250576565.

If you don’t wish to speak directly with police, you can also provide information via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

KB

Note to editors: The victim and the officer in the case will be available for interviews on Friday. To request an interview, please email [email protected]
* Please note, interviews will be on a first come, first serve basis, with the victim and officer available between 11am and 2pm only.

World War 1 1914-15 Star

British War Medal

World War 1 Victory Medal