A FAMILY has issued a plea for help to trace war medals which went missing after a Johnstone social club closed its doors, writes Gregg Kelly.
Medals belonging to former prisoner-of-war Daniel Shaw had been on display at the United Services Club, in Macdowall Street, for more than 30 years.
However, the club shut down in 2014 and, when Daniel’s family tried to get the prized possessions back, they were nowhere to be seen.
Now they are hoping readers of The Gazette can help to solve the mystery.
Edith Stewart, who is Daniel’s great-niece, said: “These medals are part of our family history.
“I would hate to think they had just been chucked in a skip. We would be content if they were on display in a military museum somewhere. It’s not knowing what has happened to them that is the most upsetting thing for us.”
Daniel’s life in the Seaforth Highlanders took him across the world and saw him serving his country in the likes of Africa and Malaysia.
Research carried out by his family suggests the honours he earned for his Army service include the Africa Star, the Defence Medal and the General Service Medal.
Daniel, who was born on January 24, 1920, never married.
Decades have passed since his death and his family are worried that, without tracing his medals, the sacrifices he made for his country will no longer be remembered.
Edith said: “Dan must have been through so much. I think he was involved in the Battle of Kampar during World War Two. He was also based in Mentakab, Pahang and patrolled the jungles.
“I vaguely remember being told he was captured by the Japanese and was a prisoner of war.”
Known locally as ‘the Soldiers Club,’ the United Services Club in Johnstone had provided support to ex-servicemen since 1919.
It is now occupied by Renfrewshire Boxing Club.
Arline Warden, whose dad James Shaw lives in Johnstone and is Daniel’s nephew, said the missing medals are of great sentimental value to the family.
She added: “We tried to recover the medals when the club was closing and we have also contacted other service clubs in the area but to no avail.”
If you have information that could help to reunite the family with Daniel’s medals, send an email to editorial@the-gazette.co.uk or call our newsroom on 0141 435 8832.
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