101yr Old Man Awarded Replacement Medal 55 Years After Originals Were Stolen

A 101-year-old war hero who once shot down a Nazi bomber during World War II has finally received a replacement medal—55 years after his original awards were stolen.

Tony Bird, who served as a Sub-Lieutenant Gunnery Officer in the Royal Navy, fought in the liberation of France aboard the corvette HMS Clematis and later served in the Far East following Germany’s surrender.

After leaving the Navy in 1946, Bird joined his family’s agricultural engineering business before moving from Gloucestershire to Pembrokeshire in 1970. At the time, he packed his service medals—including the Arctic Star and Burma Star—into storage while waiting for his new home to be ready. The medals were never recovered.

To honour his service, the Military Veterans Club Cymru hosted a special ceremony in Glanaman, Carmarthenshire. During the event, Club Chairman Owen Dobson described Bird as “a very modest person”

He said:  “Like many world war two veterans Tony is very modest but we managed to get him to the ceremony.

“It’s vitally important the things they did for our freedom today should never be forgotten.”

How delighted he is, mr Bird said: “They very kindly replaced them for me.

“I’m delighted.

“My children will be very pleased to have them.”