George Cross Database

My son, Daniel, was marching as a band member in this year's ANZAC Day (Friday 25 April '08) March in Sydney Australia. When he returned to his car he found a George Cross medal on the ground in the car park. He reported the find and left contact details with the office at the car park, but as neither he nor the carpark attendant knew how significant the medal was, we have not heard from them.

The medal is a cast silver copy and therefore does not have a name inscribed on it. I presume it was being worn, in the march, by a decendant of one of Australia's 22 recipients of the George Cross. I have contacted the City Central police, supplying them with a list of the 22 names, but they have been unable to match any of the names with their data base of reported lost medals on that day. I have also reported the find to the Returned and Exservicemans League (RSL - NSW Branch) and they have agreed to post the find on their website and in their next membership publication.

I appreciate that it, being a copy, does not have any significant money or historic value, but I imagine that the person who lost it is, none the less, quite distressed. We would very much like to return it to its rightful owner. My email address is dimarzo@tpg.com.au and I will be happy to provide telephone number if necessary.

NEW BOOKS

The Duke by David Matthews, available from www.seaviewpress.com.au

This finely written and meticulously researched book by David into the life of his father deserves to be on the shelf of every GC historian. the tragic and, at times, horrific story of Captain Lionel Matthews GC, MC is balanced by his humour and humanity. David has shown us a side of his father which has been overshadowed by the last heroic period of his life. The loving young husband, son and father is revealed as we read extracts from the many letters he wrote home. David traced people who knew Lionel and their statements are an important addition to this very worthwhile book. I commend it to readers. As David says he won't become rich through writing it "but the satisfaction has been enormous that now my father's story is out there for all to see."

Fire over Heathrow, The Tragedy of Flight 712 by Susan Ottaway, Pen & Sword

Susan has added to her list of history books which includes one on Violette Szabo this book on Barbara Jane Harrison.

The Real Enigma Heroes by Phil Shanahan, Tempus

Phil was granted the Freedom of Bletchley for his work in bringing the heroism of Colin Grazier, Tony Fasson and Tommy Brown to public notice through the memorial to them in Tamworth, Colin's home town. This book tells the story not only of the events in the Mediterranean which led to the deaths of Colin and Tony but also of the campaign which culminated in the dedication of the statue in Tamworth in 2002. Phil's journalistic style is easy to read and the book is illustrated with many photos. For anyone interested in Enigma, this is a must. For the two men who died this is a timely publication. Soon there will be no one left who worked at Bletchley during WWII or who sailed on HMS Petard.