| A CASTLECRAG resident who found World War II medals dumped in his front yard has vowed to find their rightful owners. Jerzy Maciejak is taking on the cause because of the sacrifice his relatives made in World War II. "I am originally from Poland and half my relatives died fighting," he said. "I know what these medals mean." The medals were awarded posthumously to Private H.J. Beckett, a member of the New Guinea Volunteer Rifles (NGVR).
They are the 1939-45 Star, Pacific Star, War Medal and Australia Service Medal. Pte Beckett was married to Leah Victoria Beckett, of Chatswood, who died in 1992.
Mr Maciejak found the medals on his fence in Lincoln St last Wednesday, when he took his dog for a walk. "They were just sitting there, not wrapped up," he said. "At first I thought they were children's toys. But as soon as I picked one up and felt the weight of it I realised they were real.
"I felt goosebumps on my arms. I think they may have been stolen and that the thief had a conscience." He immediately took the medals to Chatswood Police Station where police are following all avenues to locate the owners.
The original certificate of issue from the Australian army was with the medals. "It's so strange as they have no pin with them it looks like the ribbons have been cut," Mr Maciejak said.
The NGVR was an Australian militia unit of unpaid civilians working in New Guinea. They were thrust into the front line when the Japanese entered the war after their attack on Pearl Harbour, on December 7, 1941. The NGVR fought in the Battle of Rabaul, on the island of New Britain, in the Australian Territory of New Guinea in January, 1942. They fought alongside the 1400-strong Australian Army garrison known as Lark Force.
Further research by the North Shore Times revealed Pte Beckett was among a group of who surrendered to the Japanese and were put on board Japanese troop ship Montevideo Maru on June 22, 1942. The ship headed for Hainan Island but, nine days later, was torpedoed and sunk by US submarine Sturgeon. Anyone with information about Private Beckett's family can contact the North Shore Times on 9414 1374.
Wendy Kay
Wednesday 21 May, 2008
North Shore Times
Link to an earlier article about the find in Puls Polonii
Australian Anzac Medals 1945-1975 | 
