Cherry Tree Court tenant, Martha was joined by her family, friends, police community officers and the Mayor of Brent, Cllr Ryan Hack, to celebrate the incredible milestone of her 101st birthday.
As part of her special day, Martha, was presented with her late husband, Stanley Diamondstone’s, Second World War medals, leaving her “absolutely grateful and elated.”
The medals were reclaimed through AJEX – The Jewish Military Association’s Claim Your Medals campaign, which helps Jewish veterans, families and descendants identify, reclaim or replace medals from military service.
Martha’s husband, Stanley, served as a radio operator in the RAF during the Second World War. It is believed his medals were either never received or were lost. AJEX identified and mounted the correct medal set, presenting them to her as a surprise.
Martha was joined by three generations of her family, including her 81-year-old daughter, her granddaughter and her great-great-great nephew. She explained: “I was absolutely grateful and elated. It made my day to receive the medals as such a wonderful surprise. To be with all these wonderful friends and to receive all their gifts and best wishes was wonderful too.”
Speaking at the event, JBD Chief Executive, Lisa Wimbourne said: “Martha is our oldest tenant, but just by age and certainly not by spirit. Last year, we celebrated her 100th birthday, it was a truly special event. This year, it’s even more special. This is a great example of how our Jewish community has contributed to this country for many years.”
Presenting the medals, honorary AJEX president Mike Bluestone, alongside Air Commodore Craig Watson, said: “It was a fabulous and uplifting experience to present Martha with her late husband’s war medals. The atmosphere during the presentation in the room was phenomenal.”
The missing medals were discovered thanks to Stan, a fellow Cherry Tree Court tenant, AJEX member and volunteer, who learned during a conversation with Martha that her late husband had never received them. He explained; “Martha is a very special person and a great friend. I was honoured to help make sure she received her husband’s medals on her 101st birthday,”
The same day, Stan organised for tenant, Paul, to be presented with his father’s World War Two medals, also thanks to AJEX’s Claim Your Medals campaign.