World War medals will not be be returned to family

Dunkirk Medal (1940).

A family’s request for the return of six wartime medals from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has been declined.

The medals from two World Wars were donated to the local authority in 2001 and have been in the ownership of the council’s museums collection since.

A report to councillors noted that once objects are signed over to the council, they are not intended for return although when queries arise, these are “considered on a case by case basis”.

The donor of the medals is now deceased.

The medals belonged to his father. A request for the return of items was made to the council in June by a relative who said that they are “considered to be an important part of their family history”.

The collection includes a Dunkirk Medal (1940) awarded in recognition of service at the Dunkirk Landing, the Star Medal (1939-1945) awarded to soldiers who fought in Dunkirk, the British War Medal (1914-1918) and Victory Medal awarded to soliders who fought in World War 1.

British War Medal (1914-1918).

It is the only set in the museum which documents a war record for the same person in both World Wars.

However, during a meeting of the council’s Borough Growth Committee behind closed doors last month, it was agreed to decline the request to return the war service medals previously donated to Mid Antrim Museum to the donor’s family on the proposal of Braid TUV Councillor Brian Collins and seconded by party colleague Bannside Alderman Stewart McDonald.

The minutes said that “Cllr Collins, whilst having sympathy for the family, proposed that the request was declined on the basis that council was following the wishes of the person who originally donated the items and that to do otherwise would attract further requests for the return of items.

Carrickfergus councillor Alderman Billy Ashe suggested that council policy should be not to return any items once donated and signed over to council.