Lost war medal reappears for centenary

THE news could not have come at a more appropriate time: a Gallipoli veteran’s son is celebrating the return of his missing campaign medal.

Angus Langbein’s father Charles served in both world wars as a gunner and engineer. After World War I he received a Service Medal, the 1914-15 Star and the Victory Medal.

Angus Langbein, of Plimmerton, gave the medals to his sons, but some time over the past 20 years the Victory Medal went missing. ‘‘It’s one of those unfortunate things. We thought, ‘That’s it, it’s gone’,’’ he said.

Just before Christmas received a phone call to say medal had been found.

Parekura Winitana had bought a box of items at a garage sale in Hutt Valley more than 15 years ago. Not long after, she moved to Australia. During a recent cleanout the medal was found among old papers and costume jewellery.

Unlike other war medals it had the name of the person to whom it was awarded engraved on the side.

Winitana sent the medal to her brother, Vern, in New Zealand, who tracked Angus down thanks to his uncommon surname.

‘‘If my name was Smith, it could have been a real struggle for Vern,’’ Langbein said.

‘‘It’s fantastic that Vern has done what he has done – many people might have not gone to the lengths he did. We’re very happy that this significant thing for our family is back.’’

Winitana, a Wellington New Zealand Maori rugby resentative, played down actions.

‘‘My family is very proud and honoured to return this taonga to Angus and his family,’’ he said.

‘‘He was a New Zealander of German descent who faced discrimination based on his name. The real character of this man is immeasurable really.’’

Langbein and son Lachlan have had their names drawn from the national ballot to attend the dawn service at Gallipoli on Anzac Day. he the and rephis