A host of war medals honouring a family’s heroism and military service have been stolen.
Medals from two generations of soldiers were taken during a break in in Mitcham earlier this month.
This week Merton Councillor Barbara Mansfield, whose dad and grandad won the 11 medals during the First and Second World Wars, said: “It is so sickening. They have been in the family for 95 years - I feel rotten about losing them.”
Six of the medals were given to Lieutenant Paul Otren Heaney of the King’s Own Lancaster Regiment, who was killed in the action during the First World War.
He was singled out for honours after completing a daring raid behind enemy lines to take supplies for the British forces.
The other five were awarded to his son, Patrick Paul Heaney, who joined his dad’s regiment as a teenager and rose to the rank of Captain. During the Second World War, by which time the family had moved to Streatham Vale, he served in India and Germany.
The medals were stolen from the Mansfield’s home in Mitcham Park between 1am and 6am on August 7. They are thought to have a cash value of around £4,000.
Anyone with information about the break in should call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here