A WAR veteran has been left devastated by the theft of his treasured service medals.

Frank Gray, 83, is appealing for the return of the rare minesweeping 1945-51 issue of the King George VI medal, which was stolen from his home in Peggotty Close, Higham.

The pensioner discovered he had been burgled when he returned home from shopping to find his cupboards open and a jewellery box emptied.

Two other service medals, a 1939-45 Star and Atlantic Star, had been taken along with his father’s pocket watch and Danish Kronas worth £130, which he had put aside for his grandson’s upcoming wedding in Denmark.

Mr Gray, who served in the Navy between 1942 and 1946, is desperate to have his sentimental belongings returned.

He said: "Firstly I am annoyed that someone has been in my home but I am also very upset that they have taken things precious to me. I would be pleased to have them back because of my memories of wartime service in the Navy.

"My father was given the watch after 50 years of service at a cement works. It can’t be worth much as it was engraved for him. I was going to pass it on to my son along with the medals."

Mr Gray believes around 70,000 men were given the minesweeping medal for their services during the Second World War.

Service was incredibly dangerous and Mr Gray witnessed some horrors.

He said: "I was 18 when I enlisted and we were responsible for disposing of magnetic and acoustic mines. It became a way of life but you always hoped that the mines didn’t come into contact with your ship. It happened to a ship next to us. One minute it was there and the next it wasn’t."

It is thought by Kent Police that the intruders got in by reaching through the letterbox.

Mr Gray has now taken precautionary measures to ensure he is not victimised again.

He added: "It makes you feel very vulnerable. My things are probably long gone but I have had all sorts done to protect my home."

Police are investigating the incident which happened between 9am-11.15am on Friday, February 1.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01322 283096 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.