AN ACCIDENTAL discovery by a Southampton upholsterer has unearthed a collection of immaculately preserved wartime medals that were awarded to a naval service man during the Second World War.

After reading Hampshire Heritage’s recent features about readers trying to reunite medals in their possession with the families of those the medals were originally awarded to, Derek Caplen of DeeCee Upholstery in Portswood Road, Southampton, is hopeful that readers might be able to assist him with a similar request.

The medals came into Mr Caplen’s possession by chance some 30 years ago when a couple arrived at the firm’s premises, then in Church Street, with an old cabinet they were looking to sell.

Buying the cabinet for £5 with a view to restoring the piece, Mr Caplen discovered a hidden compartment in one of the drawers, which subsequently revealed the intriguing find.

Stashed away in the drawer was a box addressed to Lieutenant Commander Wheeler, containing an Atlantic Star medal, the 1939-1945 Star medal, and the War Medal 1939-1945 complete with a silver oak leaf emblem on the ribbon, which was worn to signify the award of a King’s Commendation for Brave Conduct.

As well as the medals, the box also contained all the original accompanying documentation to support the medals.

Despite the box bearing a London address, Mr Caplen is hopeful that Lt Cdr Wheeler may have had a Southampton connection and now he is renewing his efforts to see the medals returned to Lt Cdr Wheeler’s family. So far, he has had no luck.

He even went to Highclere Castle when the BBC was filming for an episode of their auction programme ‘Flog It’, but despite not getting his medals filmed, Derek was able to speak to an expert.

That person was able to confirm that although the medals were not worth a great deal of money, they were a very desirable piece for the owners or collectors as the medals had been kept in pristine condition along with their corresponding documentation in the original box.

Although Derek admits his line of work can often furnish his personal fascination with all things historical, he concedes that the medals really should be reunited with their rightful owner.

“Although I am the legal owner, having had these items for thirty years, I do not feel as though I am – I have just been looking after them.”