Callous burglars take war hero’s medals

DEVASTATED . . . War veteran Ray Whitehead, whose facial injuries are from a recent fall, was burgled while on holiday

A WAR hero who took part in the Normandy landings is devastated after his campaign medals and OBE were stolen by thieves who ransacked his house.

Former councillor Ray Whitehead (83) returned from a holiday in France to find his home in Coppice burgled.

His father’s First World War medals were also taken, along with Christmas presents for his grandchildren.

Mr Whitehead served in the Navy from 1943-46 and was part of a beach signals unit during the D-Day invasion.

He was a councillor for Mumps and St Mary’s between 1976 and 1980 and was awarded the OBE in 1995. For many years he owned Whitehead Packaging in Hollinwood,

His son, Nicholas, said: “He fought to defend this country from Nazis and worked all his life for the good of Oldham.

“After selling his business, he could have easily moved to Cheshire like so many other successful men, but he didn’t. He stayed in the town he loved, where he felt he belonged.

“It would be good if Oldham could do him a favour and find these medals for him.”

Mr Whitehead, who has prostate cancer and asthma, has a holiday home in Brennilis, Brittany, and has been a special guest of the mayor on Remembrance Day.

He also wears his medals at Oldham’s Remembrance Service where he lays a wreath as chairman of Oldham West and Royton Conservative Association.

The grandfather-of-three returned from France on November 30 to find his France-Germany star for the Normandy Landings, Victory Medal, 1939-45 War Medal and Defence Medal for serving in the ARP all stolen.

Mr Whitehead said he feels “empty and angry” but added defiantly: “I am staying here until I die.

“In the scheme of things it is pretty small stuff, but to me it is quite important. I can’t replace the OBE and the other nasty thing is they took my father’s medals. They are about all I have got from my father.”

The burglary happened between 11am on November 12 and 3.15pm on November 29.

PC Colin Freeman from Oldham Police said: “While the items stolen don’t have massive monetary value, they have huge sentimental value to the victim.”

People with information about the incident or the medals should call the police on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.