World War Two Medals
A war veteran who fought for Britain during the Normandy landings has finally been given his World War 2 medals 60 years after he served in the army - because he forgot to fill out some paperwork at the time.
Patrick Holland, who turns 93 today, should have been given the medals back in the forties but he didn't get round to sending off the documents when he returned home because he was so relieved to have made it home alive.
His grand daughter Sue Chapman said: "Grandad never mentioned that he had been due to get some medals but a couple of months ago he suddenly came out with it saying that he wished he'd got them so he could pass them on to his family when he's gone."
Mr Holland, a former Bombardier with 73rd Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Patrick, born on St Patrick's Day was named after the Saint and is to be presented his medals as a surprise birthday present from the nursing home staff where he lives in Wheldrake, York.
The manager of his nursing home heard that Mr Holland hadn't been award his medals and decided to apply for them on his behalf.
His medals will be presented by Lieutenant Colonel Greg Cole of 4 Regiment Royal Artillery at the Somerset Nursing Home in Wheldrake at 2.00pm.
A York war veteran is to be finally presented his World War 2 service medals on his 93rd birthday St Patrick's Day.~
After more than 60 years, Normandy landings veteran Patrick Holland of Wheldrake is finally being presented his WW2 service medals, and what better day than the Irish patron Saint after whom he was named.
Mr Holland, a former Bombardier with 73rd Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, is to be presented his medals as a surprise birthday present from the nursing home staff where he lives.