Medals with a hint of mystery (From Chard & Ilminster News)

Medals with a hint of mystery

8:36am Sunday 10th December 2006 in Chard By Joanna Glover

AN ex-serviceman is appealing for information from Chard residents after he bought a box of medals on ebay.

Michael Williams, of Newport, bought the medals from the internet auction site as an enthusiast and Second World War researcher, and discovered unexplained links to Chard when he examined his purchase.

Michael said the medals arrived in a box that had been addressed to Collins Esq, Holyoake Villas, Chard, Somerset, posted in 1950.

He said: "I've tried to investigate the name and address and have so far come up with nothing.

"I'd love to see if this property still exists today or if anyone knows of it or a Collins family from the time."

Hospital worker Michael said the other contents, including a letter from the War Council, have produced interesting results and it would be great to know if the two are linked.

He said: "Inside the box was a slip of paper with the name Harold F. Bleksley. I was interested to know who he was and have found out that he was a pilot killed on a mission during the war.

"On further investigation I found a memorial plaque had been dedicated at the site of the crash, and a book had been written about him and the other crew members killed."

Michael hopes someone will remember the address or family name, and will be able to expand the research further.

He said: "I have to say it may turn out to be just a box that the medals were put into, but to have the paper from the War Council and the medals together is just too much of a coincidence."

If you have any information regarding the box, its address and contents contact Michael Williams at michaeljohnwllms@yahoo.co.uk