A MILITARY veteran is looking for the rightful owner of an historic family heirloom – and believes they may be in the Shropshire area.
Tony Kennedy, 83, has a rare item that was passed down to him through family, that was originally presented to Leg Pugh, a former Prisoner of War and veteran of the Second World War.
Mr. Kennedy has been researching the descendants of L. Pugh, who passed away in the Hitchin area in Hertfordshire in 2020.
He said: "The item has come down to me through the family after being presented to L. Pugh in 1957, but it has somewhat side-tracked via marriage and the life."
From Mr. Kennedy's research, Pugh was originally from London, and he had a son, Anthony, who was born in 1935. He married to Jennie Adams, and had a daughter, Diana, in 1938.
He has not been able to trace down any further details on Diana, as it is likely she changed her name if and when she got married.
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He does not want to disclose exact details about the item until he has found the rightful heir, only revealing that it had come from a ship.
"I feel there are more direct descendants of Mr. Pugh, possibly living in Shropshire or Hertfordshire area and would love for it to go to them," he added.
Mr. Kennedy believes that Anthony Pugh has left behind children and grandchildren and he just want to see the heirloom go to the rightful members of the family.
The veteran described the item as "quite beautiful and not many of them around", adding to the mystery surrounding the heritage.
The keepsake was made by Jewellers and Clockmakers in Belfast a long time ago, and it also has a distinct inscription on it.
He has many more details on the family history and the heirloom but he wishes to keep them from the public while he investigates further.
In doing so he hopes to only be contacted by descendants of Pugh.
If none of the rightful owner will be found , the veteran will donate the heirloom to a military museum.
Mr. Kennedy says he is not seeking any form of financial gain, and only has a "genuine desire" to see it returned to the Pugh family.
If you have any information about the family, or think you can help, you can contact Tony Kennedy at 01752 781596, or Annette Laurie on 07802 896505.
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