-
Related
Almost a year after the military medals stolen were snatched in
a heist from the Waiouru Army Museum in December, they are about to
take pride of place again.
Ninety-six medals, including nine Victoria Crosses, were recovered
in February but have been kept under lock and key.
Now, there will be a handover ceremony to the museum curators in Waiouru on Tuesday.
The ceremony will involve all three services as well as police
and run for about half a day from early morning.
The army says the focus of the ceremony will be the families of
those who won the medals, taken in a daring smash and grab which
prompted public outrage.
They are making sure it will be in top shape for this infamous small town's big day.
"These guys are currently at the end of week 8 of a 14 week all arms recruit course and they've put three days rehearsal now. For the standard they're at this stage in the training this is remarkable," says Major Jason Reilly-Jones, guard commander Waiouru Army Camp.
The significance of Tuesday's handover ceremony is clearly not lost on these young soldiers.
"They've been competing for a place on the guard itself. They're very proud to be part of what is an incredible day for the army and for New Zealand as a whole," says Reilly-Jones.
And amongst them is a descendant of a Kiwi hero whose medal was stolen on that fateful December morning.
"His name is Reginald Stanley Judson, he is my great, great grandfather and he got his Victoria Cross for bravery in France," says Tipene O'Brien, army recruit and Judson's great, great grandson.
"I am very proud. It's pretty good that we get the chance to take it back to the museum, bit silly that it got taken but it's awesome."
Security has been upgraded at the museum since the theft and the army says it is confident the medals will be well protected.
While no-one has been charged with the theft yet, the medals were returned in February largely thanks to a $300,000 reward offered by British medal collector Lord Ashcroft and a local businessman.
It is understood three suspects for the theft will reappear in the Auckland District Court in October on unrelated charges.
