KEY POINTS:
Percy Harwood feels so guilty about having sold his war medals that he hasn't been to an Anzac Day memorial service for 45 years.
The chief petty officer, who served on the HMNZS Achilles in World War II, parted with them when a Christchurch man arrived on his
doorstep in the 1960s asking to buy war memorabilia.
"I never used them so I let them go, like a fool. When you're younger, you don't value them the same. I regretted it later in life."
But this year Mr Harwood, who turns 90 next month, will be able to attend Anzac Day services with his head held high, after being presented this week with a replacement set of medals.
Tauranga military collector Ivan Lindsey pinned a set of five medals to Mr Harwood's chest - an Atlantic Star, a Pacific Star with Burma clasp, a 1939-1945 Star and Medal and a War Medal.
"Now you look like a vet," Mr Lindsey remarked, as tears welled up in Mr Harwood's eyes.
"Medals are a symbol of gratitude from the country for your contribution to the war effort," Mr Lindsey explained. "It's also a symbol of remembrance of those of your mates who died, and for the memories of those who served with you."
Mr Lindsey, with three other war vets from Auckland and Tauranga, put the set of replacement medals together after hearing about how bad Mr Harwood felt about having sold his so long ago. "I wasn't going to let him have his 90th birthday without his medals."
Mr Lindsey met the retired engineer while researching the fate of 26 Air Force trainees who had wound up on the HMNZS Achilles. He said Mr Harwood was "a hell of a nice guy" who had helped solve the riddle of the missing airmen, and Mr Lindsey felt compelled to help replace his medals.
"It's one of those traditions that's very very important," Mr Lindsey said.
"We're very pleased to be able to do it for Percy. We're thrilled he's going to be able to go to an Anzac parade this year."
A modest Mr Harwood is now searching for a way to repay the kindness he has been shown, and agreed he was already looking forward to Anzac Day on April 25.
He plans to pass the medals on to his son and daughter, who still do not know they were ever lost.
- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES