Somer Valley House care home in Midsomer Norton recently celebrated a moving moment as 100-year-old resident Jack Rugg, a Royal Navy veteran of the Second World War, was finally presented with the medals he should have received more than 80 years ago.
Born and bred in Bath, Jack joined the Royal Navy at just 16 years old. During the Second World War he served as a Leading Stoker, travelling across the world.
Despite his distinguished wartime service, Jack’s original medals never arrived at his family home in the 1940s. At the time, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that the medals had been issued and sent for delivery, yet they were never received.
Many years later, Jack’s family discovered notes he had written showing he had repeatedly tried to have the medals reissued.
Determined to honour their father’s service, Jack’s family recently decided to put things right. They sourced identical medals to those he should have received and planned a special surprise presentation at Somer Valley House.
Jack’s sons, Alan and Nigel, along with their wives and several of Jack’s friends and cousins, gathered in the care home’s Garden Room for the occasion.
When Jack unwrapped the medals, he was momentarily speechless, sitting quietly as he gazed at them in disbelief. He explained that he had ‘long since given up hope of ever receiving them’.
Jack described the moment as “one of the best days of my life.”
Speaking afterwards, his sons Alan and Nigel said they had “huge lumps in their throats,” but above all felt an immense sense of pride in their father and in everything he had done in service to his country.
Rhona Sievewright, the General Manager at Somer Valley House, added, “Every resident here has a story and a history that deserves to be recognised and honoured, and we were so proud to see Jack finally receive the medals he earned all those years ago.”
To find out more about life at Somer Valley House, visit the home’s weekly Tea on Tuesday event from 10:30, which takes place in the home on Silver Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2UD.
For more information, visit Somer Valley House’s website, call 01761 603165, or email [email protected].
