THEFT BRINGS BACK HORROR OF SOLDIER’S DEATH IN IRAQ
Burglars take medals as widow did school run
THE family of an heroic Welshman killed during the Iraq War have been left distraught after thieves stole his medals. Tracey Graves, 49, had taken her son to school on Friday when burglars broke into her home in Brackla, Bridgend, and stole the medals, as well as her wedding and engagement rings.
The family was devastated when they realised that the medals, including the Elizabeth Cross honouring her late husband, Corporal Dewi Pritchard, had been stolen.
Mrs Graves’ second husband Andrew Graves said it had brought back the horror of the day he was killed.
“Three medals and a large amount of jewellery were taken,” he said.
“They clearly went for what looked the most expensive, because there was some more jewellery left behind.
“My son used to wear the medals for each Remembrance Day.
“They weren’t on display and had been put away when they were taken.
“The whole family is devastated. This brings back the horror that we experienced on the day he was killed.”
The engagement and wedding rings that he gave Mrs Graves were also taken.
“A lot of the jewellery items were of personal value to us and would not nearly be as valuable on the street,” he said, adding that his wife’s children with Cpl Pritchard – Kira, 20, and Ethan, who turns 16 today – were “very upset”.
The robbery took place sometime between 8.40am and 10am and police are appealing for information.
The medals taken included Cpl Pritchard’s Elizabeth Cross, given in honour of members of the armed forces killed in action, and a Queen’s Jubilee medal.
Detective Inspector Terry Hopkins said: “This has been very distressing for the victim and I would urge anybody who has information to contact us immediately. I am also urging the person responsible to ensure the immediate return of the medals which mean so much to the family.”
Corporal Pritchard died when his convoy was ambushed near Basrah on August 23, 2003, just two days after he returned to the front line from a home visit.
He was one of three men killed in an armed convoy of two vehicles making a routine journey from their base when men in a truck drew up alongside their vehicle and opened fire.
At the time, Lieutenant Colonel House, the Commanding Officer of 4th Regiment Royal Military Police, said: “Corporal Dewi Pritchard epitomised everything that we hold dear in the Royal Military Police.
“Dewi Pritchard was a very popular and loyal member of the Territorial Army. He joined the RMP in 1996, and from the outset of his service was an outstanding Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.
“He was awarded the Provost Marshal’s Gold Whistle & Chain for Best Recruit on his course, and had continued to show true professionalism and dedication throughout his time in the Royal Military Police.
“All of us within the regiment and across the Royal Military Police are devastated by the news, and our thoughts are with all the families at this time, and in particular Dewi’s wife Tracey and their two young children, Kira and Ethan.
“4th Regiment RMP is a truly composite regiment of Regular and Territorial Army personnel. The Regiment deployed personnel to Iraq and Kuwait in June 2003.
“Regular and Territorial soldiers have stood side by side, facing hardship and danger together. In early August, members of the regiment, including Corporal Pritchard, came under the command of 3rd Regiment RMP, and have continued the vital work of restoring law and order in the region.
“We should all be very proud of the contribution that all the deployed members of our regiment have made. They have displayed true heroism, professionalism and dedication in bringing help and assistance to the people of Iraq.”
South Wales Police confirmed that they were looking into the incident.
“South Wales Police are investigating a burglary which occurred in The Willows, Bridgend, on Friday morning between 8.40am and 10am,” a spokesman said.
“The person responsible forced entry via the back door of the property and is believed to have stolen war medals.
“Anybody who has information about the incident is urged to contact South Wales Police via 101 quoting reference *408076. Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”