Thames Valley Police join hunt for war medals stolen in Devon

Police are trying to trace a number of war medals that have been stolen from a Devon home and may have been sold in Buckinghamshire.
The stolen war medalsThe stolen war medals
The stolen war medals

The war medals (pictured) were taken from a property in Plymstock area of Plymouth on Friday January 29.

The medals shown in the black and white photograph belonged to the late Colonel James Rowland Walkey. He was a Chaplin who received an honouree award from the Queen and served in both world wars.

One of the medals has an Oakleaf across its ribbon and two other medals are believed to have James Rowland Walkey engraved around their rims.

On his general service medal it has ‘Kurdistan’ engraved on its clasp.

The medals signify the Jubilees of George V, Queen Mary and King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation.

The other medals, pictured in colour, belonged to the late Brigadier John Gurney. They are in miniature form and the three stars indicate the War in Europe, The Star of Africa and The Star of Burma.

PC Andrew Kay, based in Plymouth, said: “These medals are of huge sentimental value to the family.

The stolen war medalsThe stolen war medals
The stolen war medals

“We believe they may have been sold in the Aylesbury area of Buckinghamshire. If anyone has seen these medals or been offered them for sale please get in touch.”

Anyone with information that could assist with this investigation is asked to email Devon and Cornwall Police via [email protected] or call 101 quoting reference CR/006434/16.

Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers, by calling 0800 555 111 or reporting online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.