Hereford veteran receives long-overdue WWII medal on his 99th birthday

A World War II veteran has received a long-overdue medal for his 99th birthday after his carers unexpectedly asked him for the honor.

Harry Filby, who lives in Hereford, served as a radio operator in the RAF but did not apply for the 1939-45 War Medal, for which he was eligible.

Staff at Elgar Care, who look after Mr Filby at home, decided to apply for the medal and managed to get it just in time for his birthday on Friday.

“When they presented him (the medal), we saw tears come to his eyes,” said Tracey Waters, registered manager of Elgar Care.

Mrs Waters arranged for Mr Filby to be awarded the medal on Friday at his home with Col Andy Taylor, a veteran who lives in Ledbury, and his family attended a ceremony.

“I’m not usually at a loss for words – but, my God, that was it,” said Mr Filby.

Mrs Waters and her husband Karl, who also works for Elgar Care and looks after Mr Filby, decided to apply for the medal earlier this year after obtaining permission from his family.

She then contacted the Armed Forces Covenant, a government initiative that helps companies support veterans.

Mr Filby was eligible for the 1939-45 War Medal, created for anyone who served full-time in the armed forces or merchant navy for at least 28 days during the Second World War.

Mr and Mrs Waters said that the main reason he had never applied for the position was because he was very modest about his service.

“My daughter has been urging me for years: ‘Apply for your medals!’” Mr Filby said.

Ms Waters said the medal arrived just a day before Mr Filby’s birthday and the ceremony on Friday was “emotional”.

She added: “That’s the essence of nursing – it’s about stories like this.”