Sheringham and District Royal British Legion Medal Presentation.

It only came over 60 years late, but on Monday 7th December 2009, Mr John Sadler of Sheringham was at last presented with the medals he earned during World War Two.

At the annual Christmas Social, Mayor Noel Gant very kindly came along to present the medals.  He later said that he was honoured to make the presentation in his capacity of Mayor of Sheringham as he had known John all his life and he is a marvellous man.

Local cadet, Paige Wharton was the cushion bearer for the evening and was a credit to her unit.  Not only did she complete the presentation which she had been asked to do, but she also made herself very useful for the rest of the evening, getting the buffet out, clearing plates and then helping people to their cars.  Paige hopes to go to Sandhurst on completing her studies and I am sure she will make an excellent officer.

Mr Cecil Basham (pictured right) had encouraged John a lifelong friend, to find out if he qualified for a medal.  He asked Melanie and Paul Clarke to see if there was anything they could do.  They delved on the Internet and found out how to apply for medals and completed the necessary paperwork.

Just a few weeks later, they discovered that he had been awarded not one, but FIVE medals.

John, born in 1919 received:

• The 1939 - 1945 Star
• The Africa Star and 1st Army Clasp
• The Italy Star
• The Defence Medal 1939 - 1945
• War Medal 1939 - 45

Quite an impressive display and I am sure he would have some stories to tell.

If you know of anyone who served at any time and think they may be entitled to medals, it is quite easy to find out.  Just go to:

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/Veterans/Medals/ApplyingForMedals.htm and select the appropriate form to download.

The medal office will let you know quite quickly if there is an entitlement.   Another of our members applied at the beginning of November and has already received the campaign medal.  If there is anything we can do to help, please contact us on 01263 588082 or email: info@sheringhamrbl.co.uk