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Hawkinge man Bryan Hall reunited with stolen family medals

00:01, 15 November 2015

A man has been reunited with his family’s war medals after they were stolen from his house.

But some remain missing.

Bryan Hall, 72, from Hawkinge, returned home after going shopping to find his home had been broken into.

Det Sgt Steph Devon, Bryan Hall and Insp Kevin Stephens, returning Mr Hall's family medals
Det Sgt Steph Devon, Bryan Hall and Insp Kevin Stephens, returning Mr Hall's family medals

In total, 11 military medals were taken, dating back to the First and Second World Wars and belonging to his father, brothers and uncle.

Two of the heirlooms have been found and along with a carriage clock, jewellery and documents were handed back to Mr Hall last week at Folkestone Police Station.

Officers have charged a Folkestone man with burglary in connection with the break-in.

Michael McDonagh, 29, of Cheriton Road has been remanded in custody to appear at Canterbury Crown Court on Monday, November 23.

The two recovered medals were awarded to Leslie and Henry Hall – Mr Hall’s brothers – who both fought in the Second World War.

Henry received the Burma Star for his service in the Burma campaign, while Leslie, who was a rear gunner in a Lancaster bomber, received the Air Crew Europe Star.

The returned Air Crew Europe Star and Burma Star belonging to Mr Hall's brothers
The returned Air Crew Europe Star and Burma Star belonging to Mr Hall's brothers

Nine medals still remain missing.

They are from both conflicts and include: 1914 Star, British War Medal, Victory Medal and Brass Death Plate or Penny from the First World War.

The remaining five are the Military Medal awarded to Leslie Hall for bravery in battle on land, the 1939/45 Star, France Germany Star awarded to all D-Day, Normandy and Germany campaign personnel, Defence Medal, 1939/45 War Medal.

The medals themselves have not yet been recovered along with six other medals taken
The medals themselves have not yet been recovered along with six other medals taken

Some of the medals carry the inscription G Hall, who is Mr Hall’s uncle. Ribbons for three of the missing medals – War Medal, Defence Medal and 1939-1945 Star – have been recovered but the medals have not.

Mr Hall said: “I’m very pleased these medals have been found and thank Kent Police for getting them back so quickly.

“We would really like the other items returned as they all mean so much to the family.”

DS Steph Devon, from East Division Crime Investigation Department, said: “I’m delighted that the quick work of our officers has led to some of Mr Hall’s property being returned.

“Burglary can leave victims feeling scared and anxious and we do all we do all we can to bring offenders to justice.

“We are keen to find the remaining items and are asking for members of the public to be vigilant and share any information they have.”

blobAnyone with information about the missing medals is asked to call police on 01843 222289 quoting crime reference ZY/33176/15.

Alternatively contact Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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