A set of stolen WWII medals belonging to Clarence James Jones, a Kelvin Grove enlistee, was found in Strathpine and returned to his family on 1 January, the 81st anniversary of his death as a prisoner of war.
The medals, including a Pacific Star, 1939–1945 Star, Australian Service Medal 1939–1945, and War Medal 1939–1945, were stolen years ago from the Redcliffe home of Jones’ grandson, Robert MacCallum, along with other personal items.
Their unexpected discovery in Strathpine sparked a police investigation and a community-wide effort to locate the rightful owners, culminating in a reunion that carried deep historical and emotional significance.
A Soldier’s Story
Clarence James Jones, known to his family as “Charlie,” enlisted in Kelvin Grove at the age of 37. A member of the 2/26th Australian Infantry Battalion, he left behind his wife and five children to serve during World War II.
Captured in Malaya, Jones became a prisoner of war and was forced to work on the infamous Burma Railway. He died under harsh conditions on 1 January 1944, and is buried at the Kanchanaburi War Cemetery in Thailand.
Jones’ brother, Clifford Jones, also served in the war and survived the sinking of the hospital ship Centaur. Despite the family’s remarkable military history, none of Clifford’s grandchildren had ever met Clarence, as his life was tragically cut short during the war.
Medals’ Recovery in Strathpine
After the stolen WWII medals were located in Strathpine, the police appealed to find the rightful owners. Authorities shared details, including Jones’ name and service number “QX9294,” engraved on the medals, which caught the attention of online family history groups and community members.
Key connections were made when family members, including Michelle Gray, a granddaughter of Jones, recognised the medals and reached out to the police. Gray and her father visited the Petrie Police Station on 1 January 2025, to retrieve the medals. The family expressed astonishment at the timing, as the reunion occurred exactly 81 years after Jones’ death.
“Clarence’s brother Clifford was one of the survivors off the Centaur and my dad’s dad was overseas in WII for nearly 5 years, he came back, if he didn’t we would not be here today,” said Michelle.
“I’m so so proud of our family’s history. And how this has happened with Clarence medals is beyond me but my father and I will go and get them this afternoon. Absolutely amazing. Clarence was 37 nearly 38 when he joined up and left 5 children behind. Absolutely horrendous how died as a POW. Thanks again.”
Photo Credit: QPS
Community Effort
The reunion was made possible through collaboration between Queensland Police and a network of online supporters. Nicole Edwards from the Geraldton Family History Society played a critical role by researching Jones’ service and contacting relatives. Community members also shared family details that helped confirm the medals’ rightful ownership.
In a statement, the family thanked Queensland Police and the wider community for their efforts. They described the medals as irreplaceable links to their grandfather’s memory and his service to Australia.
“We are so thankful to Queensland Police and the wonderful group of online supporters to reuite family with the medals,” said Kathy Gaizen, another granddaughter. “When they were stolen, we were devasted at the loss but since being directed to this page and with the help of our wonderful police force, we have been relived and thankful.”
“As many of the comments have shown, these medals are of our grandfather who lost his life as a POW on the Burma railway. Consequently, none of us ever got to know him as our parents were quite young when he left for Singapore. I have included a photo of Charlie (as he was called even though his name was Clarence). Thank you also to Nicole Edwards from the Geraldton Family History Society.
“Volunteer Researcher RSLWA who reached out and range me after researching CJ Jones. Without her help, we may not have been so fortunate in regaining these very important part of our family history.”
Published: 2-Jan-2025
