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A group of recycling workmen were astounded after they found an authentic World War Two Commander of the British Empire medal rotting in a pile of rubbish.
NWH Group worker, Stuart Rae, found the historical medal at the Leith site in Edinburgh on Thursday, May, 4.
After claiming it was the ‘most special thing they’ve come across’, Stuart now wants to find its rightful owner.
The blue and red cross, which appears to be in great condition, is encased in an old, thin, black box.
He is appealing to locals for more information in the hope to locate the original owner.
NWH Group worker, Stuart Rae, found the historical medal at the Leith site in Edinburgh on Thursday, May, 4
The cross features a yellow circle in the centre with a red band around it featuring a transcription.
Connecting the cross to its grey and red ribbon is a gold crown which is attached to the top point of the medal- similar to the Knighthood of the Order of the British Empire medal.
Steven Walker, who works for the NWH Group and was on site when the medal was discovered, told Edinburgh Live: ‘We can’t trace it to where it’s actually come from – if it’s out the back of a skip or a household cleaners vehicle.
‘We’re just really trying to get it back where it belongs, it was only yesterday that we’ve managed to get everything together to start pushing out on social media to try and return it to its right.
‘Most of the guys here have been in the waste industry for quite a while, but I think this is definitely the most, most special thing they’ve come across.’
Commander of the British Empire is a prominent national role of a lesser degree.
It is a conspicuous leading role in regional affairs through achievement or service to the community, or a highly distinguished, innovative contribution in his or her area of activity, according to the Cabinet Office website.
A spokesperson for the NWH Group added: ‘Surely this item must have great sentimental value to its owner?
‘As a responsible processing site, NWH believes it has a duty to make every effort to return lost property, and is keen to reunite the medal with its rightful owner.
‘The CBE medal is a prestigious honour awarded to those who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. It is an honour to be bestowed with such an award, and we understand the sentimental value that it holds for its recipient.
‘The accompanying paperwork further adds to the significance of this finding.’
The Order’s insignia was designed by the artist Elinor Hall who died in 1926.
The task of designing the Order’s insignia occupied many months during 1916-17.
She finally produced a distinctive and original set of designs which met with the enthusiastic approval of King George V and his officials.
The Order is awarded in five ranks, with members of the senior two ranks becoming Dames or Knights.
The other grades in descending order are Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE), and Member (MBE).
Source: | This article originally belongs to Dailymail.co.uk
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