Family devastated by theft of war medals
A FAMILY has spoken of their heartache after war medals were stolen by burglars who ransacked their home in Yorkshire.
The Denbigh family, from Horsforth in Leeds, is offering a reward for the safe return of the medals which were given to Percy Denbigh for his efforts in the First World War when he saved the lives of three men in the Battle of Ypres.
A box of five medals, letters of written confirmation, leather dog tags, uniform mementoes and ribbons were taken in the raid, which happened at some point on May 9 and the following day.
Retired joiner Brian Denbigh, 75, and his wife, Margaret, had been away for the weekend and returned to find their back door had been kicked in. They are too distressed to talk about the raid.
Their daughter, Lindsey Cooper, 36, a mother-of-three, said: “It is just devastating. They have stolen our history. The thought of someone searching your home and then taking the most sentimental things, which mean so much to us all, is just heartbreaking.
“My parents are simply distraught as the medals are irreplaceable. It is affecting my dad’s health. They are very shaken up.
“We want to appeal to anyone who is offered these medals, or to pawn shops or similar to look out for them. The police have been brilliant and supportive.”
Thieves took jewellery as well as the memorabilia.
The family has confirmed it will offer a “small reward” if any information leading to recovery of the medals is given to police through official channels.
Anyone with information can contact West Yorkshire Police via the non-emergency number of 101 or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111.
It is just devastating. They have stolen our history. Lindsey Cooper.