Search launched for rightful owners of lost military medals
The world war one and two medals were dropped during the last AJEX parade
A last-ditch effort was being made this week to find the rightful owners of two lost medals dropped during last year’s Association of Jewish Ex-servicemen and Women (AJEX) Parade.
The named medals were awarded to Pte H. Willestone, who served in the First World War, and Lt G.M Beck, who served in the Second World War.
AJEX chiefs, who would like to return the medals to the owners, say they have searched their members’ database and archive to trace the two men through family members, to no avail. “They’re irreplaceable, you can’t duplicate them, because they have their names on them,” said AJEX chairman Brian Bloom, adding that they were found on the ground along the route of the march.
Both men served for several years, with Beck serving in the armed forces well into the 1950s, earning a Territorial and King’s Medal, while Willestone served throughout the whole of the First World War campaign.
“He [Willestone] has a 1914-1918 medal and a Great War of Civilisation medal, 1914-1919, meaning he was in it from the very start,” said Bloom. “He must have gone through hell. He was almost certainly in the trenches. Both men earned their medals the hard way.”
Most former soldiers are now in their 90s, so family members often carry the medals along the route, with small children sometimes given the honour.
An estimated 55,000 Jews fought in the First World War and 65,000 in the Second World War, and earlier this month, a “very moving” service was held at Bevis Marks Synagogue, to remember those who fell at the Battle of the Somme, including 37 Jews among the 19,240 men were killed on the first day.
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
