Blind war veteran's tearful appeal: 'Please return my war medals'

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A blind veteran has launched a heartbreaking appeal for the return of his war medals, after they went missing while returning from a pilgrimage to Normandy.

Alfred Barlow, now aged 95, was serving with the 3rd Reconnaissance (Recce) Regiment in June 1944 and took part in the D-Day landings.

His service career saw him earn the 1939-1945 Star, the France & Germany Star, the 1939-1945 War Medal and the Palestine Medal.

But on his way home to Stockport after revisiting the scene of the battle earlier this month, he realised all four had gone missing.

In a tearful interview with ITV News, he told of how much the medals meant to him.

It was when Alfred and his family stopped to use the bathrooms at Norton Canes Services on the M6 Toll, between Walsall and Cannock, that they realised the medals were gone.

Alfred was awarded four prestigious medals during his service career

His grandson immediately retraced their steps, inquiring at all the outlets and at the lost property depot, to no avail.

Now, he says he is hoping somebody will be able to help bring them home. He is even offering a reward for their safe return.

Anyone with any information on the medals can contact charity Blind Veterans UK on their free hotline: 0800 389 7979.

  • Video report by ITV News North of England Correspondent Damon Green