Six years ago Bob Saunders scoured pawn shops in search of treasure.
Specifically, he was on the hunt for Stephen Henry Saunders’ war medals, stolen during a home break-in.
“When dad passed away he left them for me,” Saunders said.
The home was ransacked and items were strewn all over the house, except what was stolen, including the war medals.
“I went to all the pawn shops in Victoria looking for them,” Saunders said. “It didn’t worry me about the other stuff that was taken.”
He did not find the medals and after years living with the empty feeling, Saunders approached family friend Chief Warrant Officer Brian Lougheed to see about replacements.
In October, Lougheed, Honorary Lieutenant Colonel Dale Murray and Honorary Colonel Stu McDonald presented Saunders with replicas of his father’s Victory medal, British War medal, war badge and Hampshire Regiment Cap Badge from the time he served, between 1914 and 1918.
“I feel really sorry for people who have had their medals stolen,” said Saunders. “I am so happy to have the replacements.”