Ted’s war medals replaced

WORLD War II veteran Ted McCormick was presented with replacement war medals on Friday, after the originals were stolen from his home in October.

Mr McCormick, who is 94 years old, was given the medals at a ceremony at the Collie-Cardiff RSL sub branch in Lefroy Street, in front of his family and fellow veterans.

Defence industry and veterans issues minister Paul Papalia and member for Collie-Preston Jodie Hanns presented the medals.

Mrs Hanns said she was honoured to be involved in the presentation.

“I am so pleased Mr Papalia was able to attend this special function to formally present Ted with both his and his late father’s medals,” she said.

“Sincere thanks to Gary Benton and Grahame Old who worked so hard to organise the replacement medals and to the Collie-Cardiff RSL members for their attendance.”

Mr McCormick is believed to be the only surviving WWII member of the Collie-Cardiff RSL sub branch.

He enlisted for service in WWII in 1944, one month after his 18th birthday, eager to follow in his father’s footsteps.

He served with 25 squadron RAAF base Pearce, until he was discharged in 1946.

Mr McCormick was awarded three medals during his service - a 1939-45 war medal, a 1939-45 Australian Service Medal and a general service badge.

Mr McCormick’s father, Edward John McCormick, served in WWII as a staff sergeant with the fifth Garrison battalion in WA.

Prior to this, he served in WWI on the Western Front from 1915 to 1919.

He was awarded five medals across the two wars - a 1914-15 Star, a 191420 British War Medal, a Victory Medal, a 1939-45 War Medal and a 1939-45 Australian Service Medal.