War veteran upset after medal theft

9:24am Tuesday 23rd August 2005

THE wife of a gravely-ill Normandy veteran says the thieves who stole his cherished war medals are "scum".

Dorothy Ward says she feels "distraught" after burglars broke into the Catford home she shares with her 82-year-old husband Ted and took his eight medals.

The medals were stolen from the couple's bedroom as they slept hours after millions of people world-wide celebrated the 60th anniversary of VJ Day.

It was also the week of Mr and Mrs Ward's 48th wedding anniversary.

Mrs Ward, 77, said: "I am absolutely distraught.

"Ted is very ill but he knows what is going on and he is deeply upset too.

"He lived for his life in the forces and the medals were all he had left to remind him of the past."

She added: "He has been to hell and back in his life. This is all he needs."

The medals were taken along with a handbag containing £400, pension books and a jewellery box while the couple were asleep in the early hours of August 16.

The medals included two for service in Normandy and 50th and 60th D-Day anniversary medals.

Mr Ward, who served as a signaller rifleman, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder following his wartime experiences.

He can barely speak and has to sleep in a hospital bed installed in his bedroom.

His wife is now pleading for the safe return of the medals.

But she also has a clear message for those responsible for the theft.

Mrs Ward said: "These people are not human beings. If you went into the room and saw a man in that state could you go ahead?

"No normal person would do a thing such as this."

She added: "This man paid a price for their freedom and this is how they repay him. They are just scum."

The break-in is now being investigated by the Lewisham Burglary Squad. Anyone with information should call 020 8284 8346.