Home / War and Conflict / WWII Soldier's Case Returns to Daughter After 82 Years
WWII Soldier's Case Returns to Daughter After 82 Years
25 Jul
Summary
- A World War Two soldier's cigarette case was found 82 years later.
- The case was discovered by a metal detectorist in the Netherlands.
- It has been reunited with the soldier's daughter, whom he never knew.
A silver cigarette case belonging to World War Two soldier Stan Drew has been returned to his daughter, 82 years after his death. The case was unearthed on April 2nd by Dutch metal detectorist Filip Krapels in a field in Bergeijk, near the Belgian border. Official records indicate Stan Drew died during intense fighting for Normandy on July 21st, 1944, at Falaise Gap, France.
Stan's daughter, Diane Owen, who was born shortly after her father's passing, was deeply moved upon receiving the case at the Royal Welsh Regimental Museum. Filip Krapels, after finding the bullet-damaged case, conducted extensive research, aided by internet archives and boxing records from Penarth Central Boxing Club, to trace Stan's family.
The case is believed to have been lost in battle as Allied forces advanced through Belgium and the Netherlands in late 1944. It has been loaned to the Royal Welsh Regimental Museum for display. Stan's story highlights the sacrifices of ordinary individuals during wartime.
