Veteran’s medals replaced for 100th birthday
A SECOND World War veteran who lost his medals 70 years ago has had them replaced as a gift on his 100th birthday.
Former sergeant Glyn Gurner served in the Royal Welch Fusiliers in Crete, North Africa, Italy and Palestine for 10 years from 1936 but lost his service medals in the 1950s.
The replacements were delivered to his doorstep in New Tredegar, Caerphilly, by Regimental Sgt Major Richie Davies and a regimental goat called Fusilier Shenkin IV.
RSM Davies said: “I located his service documents in the South Wales Borderers Museum in Brecon and when I heard he had lost his medals in the 1950s I wanted to ensure he had replacements made up especially for his 100th birthday.
“It’s an absolute privilege to do something for someone who served his country in the way Glyn did.”
Major General James Swift, Regimental Colonel of The Royal Welch, also wrote a letter of congratulations to Mr Gurner.
It said: “Like many of your generation, you put your life on hold to serve your King and country. This is something that people of today do not quite understand, but for those serving in today’s Army and your Regiment, we salute you and thank you for your sacrifice.”
A tearful Mr Gurner said: “I can’t believe it. What a wonderful thing to do.”