AN 87-YEAR-OLD widow had war medals belonging to her late husband stolen during a burglary while she slept.

Medals from the two world wars were taken along with silverware and pictures from the home of Stella Clarabut in Bowesden Lane, Shorne.

The medals were awarded to Mrs Clarabut's late husband Guy, who died in 2002.

He was awarded a Distinguished Service Order and a Distinguished Service Cross, worth around £1,200 in total.

Mrs Clarabut, who has been 80 per cent blind for the past 15 years, said: "The medals meant an awful lot to me.

"I am devastated. Everything else taken doesn't matter to me."

The great-grandmother-of-three added: "I am furious and horrifed.

"I think they're animals. They have no heart."

Mrs Clarabut said: "I was very proud of Guy and the medals. I just want them back."

She realised she had been burgled when she went downstairs on the morning of January 31, accompanied by her guide dog Emma.

Mrs Clarabut, who has lived in her home for 25 years, added: "I went downstairs with Emma and the penny dropped.

"I realised there was nothing on a coffee table and another table had been tipped over."

A medal belonging to her father-in-law who served in the Indian Army was also taken.

Investigator Detective Inspector John Sutton said: "The victim is very brave but distressed, especially by the loss of the medals."

Police believe occupants of a blue Volvo estate who called at the house on January 30 may be connected with the burglary.

Witnesses who heard or saw anything suspicious, should call Gravesend CID on 01474 565 091 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

COMMANDER'S LIFE

  • COMMANDER Guy Stewart Chetwode Clarabut was born on July 19, 1919, and died aged 82.
  • He started as one of the Royal Navy's youngest submarine captains when he took control of HMS Trooper, off the Italian naval base of Taranto, in 1943.
  • On July 29 that year, he found an Italian submarine entering Taranto and sank it with a torpedo. He was subsequently awarded a Distinguished Service Order medal.
  • While Cmdr Clarabut was in Singapore, he launched an attack with midget submarines against Japanese warships, sinking a cruiser ship in 1945. Shortly after, the Japanese fleet withdrew, and he was awarded a Distinguished Service Cross.
  • He married Stella Strachan-Smith in 1942, who survives him with their son and daughter.