Heartless Burglary Strikes Veteran on Day of Remembrance
A decorated veteran has been left devastated after a collection of priceless First World War medals, including those belonging to his grandfather, were stolen from his home while he was attending an Armistice Day memorial service.
Kevan Ball, who served for 39 years in the Royal Engineers, returned to his home in the Oxfordshire village of Broadwell on Tuesday to discover the shocking burglary. The thief gained entry by smashing a rear window of the property between 11.30am and 4pm.
Priceless Family Heirlooms Taken
The stolen collection held immense sentimental value and included his grandfather's trio of First World War campaign medals: the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal.
Tragically, Mr Ball also lost his own dress service medals, which were among the items taken. These included the General Service Medal Northern Ireland, a medal from his service in Afghanistan, and an Accumulated Campaign Service medal.
In a cruel twist of fate, his other awarded service medals were spared only because he was wearing them at the memorial service he was attending.
Appeal for Information After 'Horrendous' Crime
Thames Valley Police have launched an investigation into the theft. Detective Constable Mark Lowman, who is leading the inquiry, described the burglary as particularly distressing given the timing.
"Burglaries of all kinds are horrendous offences, which are so invasive and cause great upset and harm to victims," DC Lowman said. "But what makes this particular case so sad is that these medals were stolen on the very day that is there to remember all those who served around the world."
The theft comes after Mr Ball and three school friends undertook a poignant cycling journey earlier this year. They rode the 600-mile No Man’s Land path, known as The Western Front Way, from Belgium to Switzerland. The trip honoured the fallen from his old school and raised money for the Royal British Legion.
DC Lowman is making a direct appeal to the public and specialist dealers: "The World War 1 medals belonging to the victim's grandfather are of such priceless sentimental value. I am appealing to anybody who has any information to help us to reunite them with the victim and bring the offenders to justice."
He specifically urged antique dealers or medal specialists to come forward if they have been offered any of these unique medals, or if anyone has recently purchased a medal with an unclear provenance.
