Medals belonging to Wigan Second World War hero go on display in town

A piece of historical detective work has doubled the number of medals awarded to a World War Two veteran from two to four.
By Alan Weston
Published 20th Mar 2023, 12:30 BST
Updated 20th Mar 2023, 13:16 BST
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Harry Melling, who lived in Newtown, was Britain’s last surviving submariner from the war.

The Armed Forces Community HQ, in School Road, Wigan, has now dedicated a display case to his memory as a Centurion Veteran, following his death at the age of 101 in September 2021.

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His family only had two of the original medals, but mysteriously had extra ribbons with no medals attached to them.

Relatives of the late Wigan veteran Harry Melling, are presented with medals and replicas are put on display, along with other information celebrating the veteran at Wigan Armed Forces Community HQ, Wigan. From left: Ray Armstrong and Richard Thompson who made the display cabinet, Eileen Melling (niece of Harry), Matthew Melling (his great-nephew) and Charlie Neve, Commander Royal Navy - retiredRelatives of the late Wigan veteran Harry Melling, are presented with medals and replicas are put on display, along with other information celebrating the veteran at Wigan Armed Forces Community HQ, Wigan. From left: Ray Armstrong and Richard Thompson who made the display cabinet, Eileen Melling (niece of Harry), Matthew Melling (his great-nephew) and Charlie Neve, Commander Royal Navy - retired
Relatives of the late Wigan veteran Harry Melling, are presented with medals and replicas are put on display, along with other information celebrating the veteran at Wigan Armed Forces Community HQ, Wigan. From left: Ray Armstrong and Richard Thompson who made the display cabinet, Eileen Melling (niece of Harry), Matthew Melling (his great-nephew) and Charlie Neve, Commander Royal Navy - retired

Retired RN Submarine Commander, Charlie Neve, said: “One of the veteran's HQ members is an amateur military historian, and he searched the MoD and the records office to determine Harry had actually earned four medals in his time in submarines in WWII.

“The HQ were able to buy replicas of the missing medals and had them all mounted together to make an accurate set. These were framed and presented to the family.

“An additional set of replicas were also purchased and mounted to be put into a display case at the Veteran's HQ. This display case was constructed by fellow veterans Ray Armstrong and Richard Thompson, who were also present at the formal presentation.”

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Harry Melling’s original and duplicate World War Two medals are now on display for people visiting the Armed Forces Hub to see.

The presentation ceremony was attended by the Melling family,including his great nephew Matthew Melling - also known as the Wigan Runner - and niece Eileen, by Commander Charlie Neve.

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Related topics:WiganRichard Thompson