Burglars steal First World War medals from veteran’s residence on Armistice Day whereas he is at memorial service

A veteran has had his collection of First World War medals stolen while he was attending an Armistice Day memorial service.

Kevan Ball, had his collection of his grandfather’s medals, which included the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal taken from his home in the Oxfordshire village of Broadwell on Tuesday.

Mr Ball himself served for 39 years in the Royal Engineers and lost his own dress service medals including the General Service Medal Northern Ireland, a medal from his service in Afghanistan, and an Accumulated Campaign Service medal.

However, his other awarded service medals were not taken as he was wearing them at the service.

Thames Valley Police, who are investigating the crime, believe the thief gained entry to the veteran’s property between 11.30am and 4pm by smashing a rear window.

The force said the theft comes after Mr Ball and three school friends had cycled the No Man’s Land path from Belgium to Switzerland earlier this year to honour the fallen from his old school and to raise money for the Royal British Legion.

The Western Front Way is a 600-mile track that covers the major landmarks and sites of remembrance from the First World War. 

Detective Constable Mark Lowman, who is leading the investigation into the theft said: ‘Burglaries of all kinds are horrendous offences, which are so invasive and cause great upset and harm to victims.

Pictured from left to right: The World War One Victory Medal, the British War Medal and the 1914-1915 Star. All of which belonged to Kevan Ball’s late grandfather and were stolen while he attended a Armistice Day memorial service  

‘But what makes this particular case so sad is that these medals were stolen on the very day that is there to remember all those who served around the world.

‘The World War 1 medals belonging to the victim’s grandfather are of such priceless sentimental value, I am appealing to anybody who has any information to help us to reunite them with the victim and bring the offenders to justice.

‘I would also appeal to antique dealers or medal specialists.

‘If you have been offered any of these unique and special medals, or if anybody has recently purchased a medal and you do not know where they have come from, please get in touch with us.’