[oc14]

Originally Posted by Frank Kelley

Quite frankly, that the regiment could simply "lose" the "sergeants" medal is bad enough, but, to simply send an unnamed replacement to the recipient after a number of years is a complete disgrace, even if the recipient had left the regiment, if that was the case, in my opinion, at least, he should have been asked to present himself at Combermere, where, hopefully, Gold Stick or Silver Stick, or perhaps, the latter's Adjutant, might have speared even just five minutes of their time to hand it over in person.
Very disappointing indeed, moreover, Messr's Bryan and Tigwell should hang their heads in shame.

I'm a little sceptical about the "un-named replacement" medal. If the MOD issues an official replacement medal it should be named in exactly the same way as the original with the exception of a letter "R" on the rim to indicate that it is an official replacement. A number of soldiers in the Worcestershire and Foresters Regiment had their medals stolen some years ago whilst they were away for remounting, I was instrumental in reuniting one former SNCO with his medals. The dealer in question had bought them in good faith not knowing that they had been stolen. The former SNCOs current employer bought them from the medal dealer for what they had paid for them. The former SNCO now has his original medals back in his possession, the dealer is not out of pocket (but also has not profited from this) and the employer has my greatest respect.
PL