A heartwarming reunion unfolded as a New Zealand family was joyfully reunited with WWII war medals that were serendipitously discovered in Perth. The journey began when Royal Australian Air Force Chaplain Haydn Lea stumbled upon four original World War II medals at an auction in Perth. Intrigued by the find, Chaplain Lea, upon closer inspection, noticed that the ribbons adorning the medals were worn and frayed. Alongside the medals was a fifth one belonging to the same individual, prompting Chaplain Lea to purchase the set for restoration and a noble quest to trace the family of the serviceman to whom they belonged.

One significant detail caught Chaplain Lea’s attention: a missing clasp that honored the members of Bomber Command, a recognition bestowed years after the war as a tribute to their contributions in combatting Germany. Eager to rectify this omission, Chaplain Lea embarked on a mission to secure the clasp and reunite it with the serviceman’s medals. Through meticulous research, it was revealed that the medals belonged to New Zealand aviator Sergeant William (Billy) O’Shea, who tragically lost his life during a bombing mission over Hamburg in 1942.

Following the acquisition of the medals, Chaplain Lea delved deeper into Billy’s background, discovering that he was devoid of some of his awards. This spurred him to reach out to New Zealand honours and awards in a bid to procure the missing accolades for Billy. The trail led Chaplain Lea to Karen Curtis, Billy’s grand-niece, who expressed overwhelming delight upon receiving the long-lost medals. The family’s elation was palpable, especially for Karen, who had tirelessly sought the medals for over a decade, unaware of their whereabouts since Billy’s widow, Ann, passed away in the 1990s.

Reflecting on the significance of the returned medals, Karen shared her poignant connection to Billy, despite never having met him personally. She recounted how her father held Billy in high regard, drawing parallels between Billy and her own father in their striking resemblance. The discovery of the medals not only bridged a historical gap but also provided a tangible link to their family’s past, ensuring that Billy’s legacy and sacrifice would endure through generations.

Chaplain Lea’s dedication to reuniting families with lost medals underscores the profound impact of preserving and honoring the legacies of servicemen. His commitment to advocacy within the RAAF extends beyond mere duty, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and commemorating the sacrifices made by individuals like Billy, whose valorous contributions should never be forgotten. The emotional reunion serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring significance of wartime memorabilia and the power of remembrance in preserving the stories of those who bravely served their countries.