Arlene Bedford

On June 17, the Beacon featured a letter from Alexander (Sandy) Milne regarding a World War I war medal he found in Ōhope in 2024. He was trying to return it to the recipient’s descendants.

I have done a few genealogical searches and into the National Archives and War Graves Commission and ascertained the following:

A British War Medal and Victory Medal were awarded to Rifleman Frank Victor Hay (regimental number 13019) who was formerly a coach builder and killed in action June 7, 1917 on the Western Front, aged 21.

He is buried at Messines Ridge British Cemetery (Plot V, Row B, Grave No10, Belgium).

Frank was born to parents Ann Isabella Hay (nee Thom) and William Hay in 1896. They were married in Gisborne in 1885.

The family lived at 220 Clifford Street, Gisborne.

The photo above of Frank was submitted to the War Graves Commission by Lorraine M James.

Perhaps Lorraine is a descendant.

I understand that the medal may have been sold or stolen, but I do think every effort should be made to find someone who will honour this young man’s memory.

I come from a military family myself and my great-grandfather also died on The Somme in 1916.