Theft of medal honouring bravery is stolen from Portsmouth museum
STOLEN FROM D-Day Museum
THIEVES have stolen an irreplaceable George Medal.
An Olympic souvenir badge from the 1936 Games was also taken from the D-Day Museum, in Clarence Esplanade, Southsea.
The medal had been awarded to William Henry Daysh – who was the first man in Portsmouth to be given the honour.
The museum’s development officer Andrew Whitmarsh said: ‘It (the medal) was in a locked display case, but someone managed to force their way in and steal it.
‘And actually we are very upset about this.
‘It’s not just something of individual interest, but it’s something of great interest to the country and to the city.
‘So this was the first Portsmouth person awarded this really, special medal, it’s been with us for a number of years and over those years, literally several hundred thousand people have seen it and enjoyed it.’
The medal was created by King George VI in September 1940 as a way of rewarding and recognising acts of courage by many civilians during the Blitz.
Mr Daysh displayed an act of courage in September 1940, after he went inside a burning building to try and rescue a colleague from their place on work at the Air Raid Precautions.
Both men were rescued from the building, which was set on fire by bombing, by the fire service.
The medals were last seen during the inventory check on Saturday, October 1, they were noticed as missing on Monday.
Councillor Lee Hunt, cabinet member for culture and leisure, said: ‘This is a truly despicable act. These items were lent to us in good faith from their owners and we were proud to be able to display them to visitors.
‘It is ironic that the George Medal, issued for acts of great bravery, was stolen by someone who clearly couldn’t be further from that description.
‘The medal tells an important part of the story of Portsmouth, and Portsmouth people during the Second World War.
‘These artefacts are valuable not just in cost, but in their historic value.
‘They both tell fascinating stories, and tens of thousands of visitors have enjoyed seeing them while they have been on display at the D-Day Museum over the past few years.’
Anyone with information is asked to contact Hampshire Constabulary on 101, or the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111, quoting crime reference number 44110420080.
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Comments
There are 10 comments to this article
Page 1 of 1
CTR
Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 03:37 PM@9 - that's a huge chip you have! Been caught speeding have we? Lol
Skimmers73
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 09:22 PMLets see if the Police can actually do anything, have they found the lead thieves yet? Or have they been too concerned with earning revenue for the Govt??
Sailor Sam
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 02:03 PMWith regard Tick Tock's comment @4. Surely there is CCTV inside the museum. If not. Why not?
Tick Tock
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 11:00 AMScourge - could of been a women !
Scourge
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 10:59 AMScandalous. I hope the police apprehend this criminal soon when undoubtedly he will be given a caution.
Sir JJ
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 10:44 AMJust when you think things couldn't get any worse. First the civilian blitz memorial plaques being stolen now this, what's next? I find the whole situation extremely upsetting and depressing. This medal was given to a very brave man doing something 99% of the population would have run away from. Knowing the WWII collecting scene as well as I do, I know that most of them wouldn't even touch it and I know for a fact, they would have reported it to the police immediately if approached. I think it's been stolen to order, one of these cretins who sit indoors with no life to speak of surrounded by valuable war memorabilia that will never see the light of day. Very, very sad.
Tick Tock
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 10:40 AMIt couldn't of been that busy so cctv in or around the area will pick the person up. S(um !
OldPompeyBlue
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 10:03 AMAgree with your comments Scott. Was it an opportunist, or was it stolen to order? Either way, the more publicity about this the better as it could make them too hot to handle. Is there no CCTV footage available? If the culprit is found do we have any stocks still in working order that he can be placed to allow the public of our City to show their feelings?
LI 150
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 09:59 AMPlease let there be some CCTV that has filmed the low-life that did this despicable act.
Scott McGarveys Perm
Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 09:37 AMThere are some low life scum around to do this. A coward steals a medal of bravery..............
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