A SECOND World War veteran from Watchet is finally to receive his war medals nearly 80 years after he saw action in Belgium and Germany.

George Lewis, who is now age 98 and lives with his daughter Liz in Wedlakes, served with the Royal Tank Regiment from 1944 through to the end of the war.

But, for some unknown reason he never received either of the medals to which he was entitled, with one theory being that they were posted out to a wrong address.

However, one of his neighbours, Val Norman, heard about it recently and set about putting matters right.

Ms Norman’s brother had served in the same regiment as Mr Lewis and he contacted the regimental association which has now provided the missing medals.

Mr Lewis will be formally presented with the two medals on Saturday (July 20) by Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Brigadier Richard Toomey.

The presentation has been organised by Watchet Royal British Legion and will be held in its club premises in Mill Lane.

Mr Lewis, who was only just 18 years old when he signed up in 1944, will receive the War Medal 1939-1945 and the France and Germany Star.

Brigadier Toomey said: “We are not sure why Mr Lewis never got his medals when he should have done, but thanks to his neighbour, Mrs Norman, and with the help of the regiment and the Royal British Legion we are going to make sure we do this properly.

“His generation deserve our utmost respect and admiration and this is the least we can do.

“It will be an honour to present him with his medals on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant.”

Mr Lewis’s daughter Liz said: “Dad is thrilled to be finally getting his medals.

“I think we can say he is tickled pink with the fuss that is being made.”

Watchet Royal British Legion chairman and town mayor Cllr Loretta Whetlor said: “When the Royal British Legion heard about this we thought it hugely important to make sure Mr Lewis’s war service was properly recognised.

“It promises to be a lovely occasion.”