RAF veteran is devastated to lose his service medals at D-Day celebrations as he asks for help to get them back
A RAF veteran is devastated after losing his service medals during this week’s D-Day celebrations and has appealed for help to get them back.
Tom Weatherall, 90, is searching for the missing awards, including the British Empire Medal, the 1953 Queen’s Coronation Medal and the RAF Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, after they went missing during the 80th anniversary event, where veterans came together. France.
The ex-miner was called up for national service in 1953 and was asked to be an RAF judge marker, usually the tallest member of a parade, at Queen Elizabeth II‘s coronation thanks to his 1.80 meter tall stature.
He later rejoined the armed forces as a caterer, but his career was cut short after he suffered a wound to his arm caused by a shard of glass.
He told me before Forces news he lost four and a half pints of blood in a four and a half hour period in hospital after the incident.
Tom Weatherall, 90, pictured in Ranville earlier this week. The RAF veteran is devastated after losing his service medals during this week’s D-Day celebrations and has appealed for help to get them back
Mr Weatherall, 90, is looking for the missing awards, including the British Empire Medal (pictured)
The veteran said: said, “I’m just upset. Everyone else marches with their medals, without them I feel naked without them’
Mr Weatherall, who served in the Air Force for more than 30 years, said LBC that he was heartbroken when he lost the medals that were said to have gone missing during a church service in Ranville on Thursday.
He said: ‘I’m just angry. Everyone else marches with their medals, without them I feel naked without them.
“If anyone can help, I would be very grateful.”
LBC presenter Nick Ferrari revealed on air that he is offering a £500 reward for the safe return of the honour.
Mr Weatherall previously described the momentous day of the late Queen’s coronation more than seventy years ago.
The veteran, who was stationed outside Westminster Abbey with the RAF, said: “As an ex-pit boy it was a real privilege to be part of the Coronation Squad.
‘On the day I was outside Westminster Abbey, we saluted and presented arms as the Queen stepped out of her carriage.
‘As soon as the Queen arrived we marched off and enjoyed the festive atmosphere with a few pints in the Elephant and Castle.’
Tom Weatherall photographed watching a bagpiper during a service at Southwick House near Portsmouth on June 3. The RAF veteran is devastated after losing his service medals during this week’s D-Day celebrations and has appealed for help to get them back
Mr. Weatherall imagined himself watching drummers during the service on Monday
It comes after headlines surrounding this week’s celebrations were dominated by the Prime Minister Rishi Sunak‘s decision to skip a major ceremony in France.
War veterans, military leaders and critics from across the political spectrum have since been lining up to condemn Sunak’s blunder.
The Prime Minister apologized for the ‘mistake’ but was accused of letting the country down, with some even labeling his actions as ‘stupid’.
This became apparent after attending British/French commemorations on Thursday together with the king and the president Emmanuel MacronMr Sunak left Normandy for an interview with ITVwhich will air next week.
It meant he missed the international ceremony, attended by 25 world leaders and heads of state, to mark the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings.
World leaders, including US President Joe Biden, gathered to commemorate the sacrifice made by the troops who arrived on the beaches of Normandy in 1944.
But Britain was represented by the Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron – while Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer also worked with international politicians.
Yesterday, Mr Sunak apologized on social media and repeated it in a testy exchange with broadcasters during an election campaign in Wiltshire.
Rishi Sunak, pictured with wife Akshata Murty, apologized for leaving D-Day events early to take part in a TV interview
Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer remained at the international ceremony, where he met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky
He suggested it had always been his intention to leave before the international ceremony on Omaha Beach, even before calling the general election.
“I am someone who will always admit when I have made a mistake,” Sunak said.
‘I stuck to the path that was mapped out for me as prime minister weeks ago – before the elections.’
