RSL State Secretary Phil Orchard with the World War II material.
Camera IconRSL State Secretary Phil Orchard with the World War II material. Credit: Supplied/Marcus Whisson

Story inspires return of more war medals

Karen Valenti, Weekend CourierWeekend Kwinana Courier

A second batch of war paraphernalia was handed in at the Rockingham sub branch of the RSL, soon after the Courier published the story about the medals being handed to our sister papers, Stirling Times and Eastern Reporter.

The person who relinquished the five medals in December said he did not want anything to do with police but had bought the medals from another person in the hope that they could be returned to the gunner’s family.

The letters and numbers L-70769 GNR C ADAMS RA appear on the side of two of the largest military medals.

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Coincidentally, the latest paraphernalia also relates to a war veteran named Adams.

‘The material initially appeared to be about the same person, ‘ RSL State president Graham Edwards said.

‘However, on further reading, they are from different eras ” the first was a World War I gunner and the second served in World War II.’

The new batch comprises dozens of black and white photos, some personal letters and several World War II tags in an old tobacco tin, each with the same number 14324400 and the name ADAMS D. The RSL believes his full name was Douglas A. Adams.

RSL State Secretary Phil Orchard said the dog tags were the only indication that Adams served in the military.