Veteran Receives Replacement Medals at 101

A remarkable event took place recently when James Laughlin, a 101-year-old former Royal Marine commando, was presented with a set of replacement medals. His original medals were stolen, but thanks to the efforts of a dedicated advocate, he received new ones at his care home in Accrington. Mr. Laughlin’s story is not just about the medals; it is a testament to his bravery and service during World War II, particularly during the D-Day landings.

Bravery on D-Day

James Laughlin was one of approximately 17,000 marines who participated in the historic D-Day operation. This operation, which took place on June 6, 1944, was the largest military seaborne invasion in history. It marked the beginning of the campaign to liberate Nazi-occupied north-west Europe. Mr. Laughlin’s role was particularly daring. He swam to Gold Beach armed only with a knife clenched between his teeth. His mission was to clear mines that posed a significant threat to the landing craft.

During his time on the beach, Mr. Laughlin employed a unique tactic. He threw pebbles at the mines to detonate them safely. This courageous act helped ensure the safety of his fellow soldiers as they landed on the beach. Reflecting on his experiences, Mr. Laughlin described his time in Normandy as “just a day’s work.” His humility is striking, considering the immense danger he faced during those critical moments of the war.

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For his service, Mr. Laughlin was awarded several medals, including the 1939-45 Star, the Africa Star, the Italy Star, the Defence Medal, and the War Medal. These medals symbolize not only his bravery but also the sacrifices made by countless soldiers during the war.

A Community’s Support

Mr. Laughlin’s medals were displayed proudly in his home until they were stolen while he was hospitalized in October. A neighbor noticed their absence and alerted the authorities. This incident prompted Sid Sadiq, an Armed Forces veteran advocate and support officer with East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, to take action. Mr. Sadiq, who served for 22 years in the Royal Army Dental Corps, applied to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to have the medals replaced.

When Mr. Sadiq contacted the MoD, he discovered that there were no official records of Mr. Laughlin’s medals. This lack of documentation allowed the MoD to issue original medals rather than duplicates. Mr. Sadiq expressed admiration for Mr. Laughlin’s life and achievements, noting, “It’s an amazing thing to reach the age he’s reached and to achieve some of the things he’s achieved.” His dedication to supporting veterans showcases the importance of community and the respect owed to those who served.

On the day of the presentation, Lt Col Ralph Assheton, a deputy lieutenant for Lancashire, honored Mr. Laughlin with his new medals. He remarked on the veteran’s remarkable life and service. This event not only celebrated Mr. Laughlin’s past but also highlighted the ongoing support for veterans in the community. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for freedom and the importance of recognizing their contributions.