Long wait for war medals finally over

WHAT a feeling . . . Albert Mellor

A WAR veteran has finally received his military medals - more than 65 years after being demobbed.

Albert Mellor (92) who was wounded five times in World War Two, was awarded five service medals at a surprise ceremony.

The soldier, from Mossley, only got his hands on the accolades after a conversation during the funeral of his late wife Florence.

Martin Yearn felt Mr Mellor needed to be honoured when he discovered his great uncle had no service medals.

Martin said: “He never really spoke about his time in the war, but when I spoke to him at the wake of Florence’s funeral, he opened up.

“I got his service number and after a bit of time I managed to get hold of them. Instead of just turning up at his door with the medals, we arranged a bit of deserved pomp.”

Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Brenda Warrington, presented the medals to Albert in front of friends and family in the Mayor’s parlour in Ashton earlier this week.

Mr Mellor said: “It’s a marvellous feeling to get these awards. I can admire them now.”

Albert, of Lees Road, was shot in the back during 18 months’ service in Africa. He was also wounded in the face, despite which he served more time on the frontline in Italy in 1944.



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