Ex-paras rally round after veteran robbed

Donald Holder, aged 82, was devastated after being ambushed while walking home by two thugs who stole the precious Second World War regimental shoulder patch he had carried with him ever since 1944 when he joined the 2nd Parachute Regiment.

His plight touched thousands of people after it was revealed by the Express & Star, but none were more moved than those who had served in the similar airborne units over the years.

The band of military brothers known as the Fraternal Old Comrades decided to do something about it and six of them travelled from throughout the Midlands to Mr Holder's Wolverhampton home to present him with a replacement flash.

They also brought a priceless silver Kings Crown cap badge, the Parachute Wings, a new blazer badge, several Regimental plaques, a 2 Para polo shirts and a bottle of 10-year-old Airborne Whisky.

And there was further delight for Mr Holder when his best friend from the forces, 82-year-old Alf Babb from Ashmore Park, Wednesfield, turned up at his door.

The pair served alongside each other in the same platoon for four years but lost touch 55 years ago after each got married.

Mr Babb also read of the crime in the Express & Star and immediately recognised the picture of his old mucker in the paper. He finally tracked him down last night and by coincidence arrived in the middle of the presentation.

"I am absolutely overwhelmed," confessed Mr Holder. "That regimental patch meant everything to me. I have been into hospital on four occasions and even took it with me there.

"I was very upset when it was stolen but this amazing display of generosity has restored my faith in human nature."

When the blue para wings were handed to him by the visitors Mr Holder looked at them with pride and declared: "I worked hard for these."

Pete Elcock, aged 52, from Worcester who served with 1 Para between 1972 and 2003, was among the group who visited Mr Holder last night. He said: "We like to look after our own. We were all sickened to hear about this despicable crime and decided to do something about it."

The news was put on the website www. airborneforces.co.uk that has 1,200 members throughout the world who have all served with airborne forces including the Paras, prompting a host of offers of help.

People sent in their own badges for Mr Holder. The priceless Kings Crown cap badge was donated by Dave Pearson who lives in Scotland.

Mr Holder, now a grandfather-of-four, was involved in numerous skirmishes in Palestine, Egypt and Jordan during his four years in the 2nd Batallion Parachute Regiment, making 34 parachute jumps during four years of service after joining up at the age of 18. His daughter Joy Lucas, 53, said: "He is getting over the shock of the attack and this has been the perfect pick-me-up.

"Seeing his reaction to the loss of the shoulder patch highlighted to us what his days in the army had really meant for him."

He declared: "They were the best days of my life and I would love to do it all over again if I was fit enough."

On being reunited with Mr Babb, Mr Holder declared: "It is fantastic to see him again. I have been after him for 50 years and now it is just like old times again. We have a lot of catching up to do."

Mr Holder concluded: "This just shows that some good can come out of even the worst situations. I am a very happy man."

Mr Holder was attacked and punched to the ground as he walked along Willenhall Road, Wolverhampton, at around 11pm on June 20. The pensioner told no-one of his ordeal until the next day, saying bravely: "It would have been a different story if I was the young man I was when I was in the Paras."

Wednesfield businessman Richard Carter, aged 38, is offering a £500 reward for information leading to the conviction of those responsible.

* Anyone with information is asked to contact Wednesfield CID on 0845 113 5000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.