Operation Valour: Medals stolen from Waiouru Army Museum

Information Free Phone: 0800 VALOUR (0800 825687)

Recovered - Medals awarded to New Zealand's most highly decorated servicemen stolen in a military museum heist have been recovered.

List of stolen medals

Background

Shortly after 1.00am on the 2nd of December 2007, burglars broke in the Army Museum in Waiouru and stole the nationally treasured collection of war medals, awarded to 12 of New Zealand's most highly decorated servicemen.

The medals stolen include 9 Victoria Crosses, 2 George Medals, and 1 Albert Medal.

The recipients of these medals were Captain C. Upham (VC Bar), Brigadier L. Andrew (VC DSO), Captain S. Frickleton (VC), Sergeant J. Hinton (VC), Sergeant A. Hulme (VC), Major R. Judson (VC DCM MM), Lieutenant Colonel H. Laurent (VC), Sergeant J. Grant (VC NZEF), Sergeant K. Elliot (VC), Lance Corporal D. Russell (GC), Sergeant M. Hudson (GC), Captain R. Ridling (AM).

Every effort is being made to recover the stolen medals, which have great significance to the families of the recipients, the local Waiouru community, and the wider New Zealand community.

Any and all information, no matter how seemingly trivial it may seem, will be gratefully received.

Details

VICTORIA CROSS

WORLD WAR I

• Brig Andrew VC DSO (12)
• Capt Frickleton VC (7)
• Sgt Grant VC (6)
• Maj Judson VC DCM MM (10)
• Lt Col Laurent VC (8)

WORLD WAR II

• Sgt Elliot VC (8)
• Sgt Hinton VC (9)
• Sgt Hulme VC (9)
• Capt Upham VC & Bar (9)

ALBERT MEDAL

• Capt Ridling AM (5)

GEORGE CROSS

WORLD WAR II

• L/Cpl Russell GC (7)

POST WORLD WAR II

• Sgt Hudson GC (6)

Total = 96 medals, 1 Bar, 3 MID Oak Leaves, 1 8th Army Clasp, and 1 1960 - Device

See also: list of medals stolen

Contact the investigators

Please contact us with any information that might help the investigation:

Free phone   0800 VALOUR (0800 825 687)

or fax (06) 387 5579

or email us via this form:

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All information will be received in the strictest confidence and can be provided anonymously.