Early Christmas surprise as 102-year-old WW2 veteran receives war medal – 80 years on

A 102-year-old Second World War veteran has received her war medal – 80 years after she left the Armed Forces – as part of an early Christmas present.

Janet Patterson served in the Women's Royal Naval Service and was given the War Medal 1939-45 by her children.

It is believed she is one of the last living veterans to receive the medal.

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Janet said she was surprised to receive the medal: "This is a big surprise. I never thought I would get a medal and now I have.

"I just need to wait for the right opportunity to wear it. I'm so grateful to my family for ordering on my behalf."

Janet's children applied for the medal on her behalf 80 years after the conflict ended and the veteran left the Armed Forces.

The great-grandmother was a Wren from 1942 to October 1945 where she worked as a film operator to show new naval recruits educational films as part of their training.

Janet's husband, Dennis, also served in the Navy. The couple met during the Second World War while they were both stationed at HMS Glendover in Pwllheli, Wales. 

'She deserved to have the medal'

Despite being eligible for the War Medal, neither Janet nor Dennis applied for it. Dennis died in 2021, aged 98. 

Janet's daughter, Gill, who helped get the medal for her mother, said: "It was typical of my parents not to apply for the medal; they probably thought they weren't worthy of it.

"But in October this year, it was 80 years since Mum came out of the Armed Forces, and we thought she deserved to have the medal – even if it is 80 years too late!" 

She added: "We think Mum must be one of the last living people to receive this medal. She's an incredible person, and we're so proud of her."

Janet lives at the Royal Star and Garter in Solihull, who provide care and support for veterans and their families.

The home laid on an afternoon tea for Janet as she was presented with her medal.

Royal Star and Garter is a charity which has homes in Surbiton, Solihull, High Wycombe and Worthing for veterans and their families, living with disability or dementia.