THE mystery surrounding the ownership of a lost war medal has been solved with Gloria Jaeger stepping forward to claim the precious memorabilia on behalf of her cousin Annette Brian.
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The lost medal had been found among Raymond Terrace resident Neil Goldthorpe’s mother’s belongings, although he has no idea why it was there.
“Both my parents served in World War II so I am not absolutely sure whether this World War I medal was acquired from my mother’s father who served in the British navy or my father’s father’s past belongings,” he said.
Mrs Jaeger said conversations with family members revealed the medal belonged to her uncle Sidney Painter who was born in 1897, died in 1976 and served in World War I having enlisted on May 3, 1916 at the age of 19.
“He never talked about the war but he was an easy going man who was very pleasant,” Mrs Jaeger said.
Mrs Jaeger said she plans to send the medal to Mrs Brian, who was thrilled to have this long-lost connection to her father.
“I think it’s lovely that we’ve got the medal,” Mrs Jaeger said.
“She [Annette] didn’t have a clue about the medal but she’s so thrilled because she didn’t know anything much about her dad,” she said.
“She was a bit teary when I told her.
“She plans to pass it to her son Kel who will pass it on to his son Kody,” she said.
According to the engraving on the gold medal, it was presented to private S Painter by the residents of Cadia in September, 1919.
Mrs Jaeger said her uncle worked at the Cadia mine when he was young but eventually moved away from the central west.
Mr Goldthorpe said he’s glad the medal will finally make its way home.
“I am so happy that the family of S Painter has his medal back to remember his service in World War I,” he said.
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au
