A British World War Two veteran was given a belated medal for his service at the age of 99, after the staff at the care home where he lives applied for it as a surprise. Harry Filby had served as an RAF radio operator, but had never applied for the War Medal 1939-45 he was entitled to. Mr Filby lives in Hereford, where he is supported by Elgar Care. Col Andy Taylor, a fellow veteran, presented the medal to Mr Filby at his home in a ceremony attended by Mr Filby’s family.
Elgar Care’s registered manager, Tracey Waters, organised the event after applying to the Armed Forces Covenant, a government initiative which helps businesses support veterans. Mr and Mrs Waters, who both work at the care home, said that Mr Filby had never applied for the medal partly because he was very modest about his service. His daughter had urged him to do so on numerous occasions.
Mr Filby worked on board planes during the war, and was eligible for the War Medal 1939-45, which was awarded to all full-time members of the armed forces and Merchant Navy who had served for at least 28 days. The medal arrived just in time for Mr Filby’s 99th birthday, which took place on Friday.
“When they handed [the medal] to him, we saw the tears well up in his eyes,” said Waters, adding that the ceremony was very emotional. “This is the thing about care – it’s about stories like this.”
The event was reported by the BBC
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