Daughter of SAS hero thanks Brit public for finding the medals her dementia suffering dad lost a year ago

THE daughter of an SAS war hero has thanked the public for their support after having the medals returned to her - a year after they went missing.

Peter Bennett, 80, who suffered from dementia, lost his medals and his prized SAS beret after travelling to London to meet friends and former comrades on Remembrance Day on November 5 last year.

His daughter Giulia Bennett posted an appeal for help on Facebook, which was shared 150,000 times.

Now, a year on, the items will be returned to the family on Tuesday.

Sadly, Peter passed away on February 27 this year - but Guilia believes he would be delighted with the news.

Giulia, from Grantham, Lincolnshire, said: “A year ago I was devastated when my father, who had Alzheimer's, lost his medals after attending the Westminster Abbey Field of Remembrance Tribute to Service Men and Women.

“I posted a plea to help find his belongings, which went viral globally, thanks to everyone who shared my post.

“Today, I can joyfully confirm that our father's medals, and SAS beret have been found.

“Sadly, Papa is no longer with us, but finding these medals means so much to us as they meant so much to him.”

The medals and beret were found at the Victory Services Club near Hyde Park where Peter was staying, but Guilia believes whoever found them may not have made the connection that they were her father's.

Peter served in Oman with SAS founder Johnny Cooper and spent time in Yemen with Colonel Jim Johnson, who led Britain’s secret war against Egyptian forces in the 1960s. He was the youngest serving officer in the elite SAS unit.

Guilia added: “We miss him very much and will always love and cherish his lifetime's achievements.

“Thank you to all the people, known and unknown, near and far who helped us in this quest to reunite a soldier with his medals and memories.

“A special thanks to the SAS for their unwavering kindness and support, also to the Victory Club who have now reunited us with his belongings.”