In a heartwarming turn of events, Peter ‘Mitch’ Mitchell, a former serviceman from Plymouth, has been reunited with his military medals five years after they were stolen in a burglary at his home.

The burglary, which occurred in September 2019, saw thieves break into Mr Mitchell’s residence, stealing not only jewellery and gold coins but also his cherished military medals. Mr Mitchell, who served in the British Army’s Parachute Regiment before transferring to the Royal Logistic Corps, was awarded these medals for his participation in Operation Haven. This 1991 humanitarian mission aimed to protect Kurdish refugees fleeing Saddam Hussein’s forces towards the Turkish mountains.

The breakthrough in the case came when a community interest company called Clean Our Patch, based in Plymouth, found a pillowcase filled with old coins, war medals, and jewellery near a former railway depot in Laira, Plymouth. A social media post by the group led to the identification of the items as those stolen from Mr Mitchell.

Upon learning about the discovery, Mr Mitchell, who was at a hospital in Exeter supporting cancer patients, expressed his surprise at the timing. He remarked that the news arrived on the same day that his door was being replaced, having been damaged in the original burglary.

While many of the stolen items were of low monetary value, they carried immense sentimental value for Mr. Mitchell, particularly a rare jade Buddha pendant that had been a cherished keepsake.

Reflecting on his military service, Mr Mitchell shared his memories of Operation Haven, during which he and fellow soldiers worked alongside US troops to rescue, identify, and protect vulnerable Kurdish refugees. He noted that the experience of operating in sub-zero conditions while providing aid was both challenging and meaningful.

The Priority Crime Investigation Team, which played a crucial role in recovering the medals, emphasized the importance of reporting burglaries and keeping hope alive for victims. This reunion serves as a reminder of the power of community efforts and dedicated police work.

Mr. Mitchell, touched by the recovery of his belongings, expressed deep gratitude to the community and police for their help in reuniting him with the precious mementoes of his past.