Hereford veteran gifted overdue RAF medal on 99th birthday
Harry Filby worked as a radio operator during the Second World War
A Hereford veteran has been presented with a surprise medal from the Royal Air Force on his 99th birthday.
Harry Filby, who lives in Hereford, worked in the RAF during the Second World War as a radio operator.
However, following the war's end, he had not applied for a War Medal from 1939-45, a medal that he was eligible for.
The War Medal 1939-45 was created for everyone who served in the Armed Forces full-time, as well as those who worked in the Merchant Navy for at least 28 days during the war.
To celebrate the achievement, staff at Elgar Care, who support Harry at his home, applied for the medal in his name.
Filby was gifted the award as he celebrated his birthday on Friday (July 14th), being presented the medal by fellow veteran Colonel Andy Taylor in a ceremony attended by Harry's friends and family.
Tracey Waters, Elgar Care's Registered Manager, helped to organise the event, and the care service praised Harry for his humility, saying "he was just doing what he had to do".