A KIDDERMINSTER man who found a First World War medal in his back garden 12 years ago, is looking to trace the owner’s family.

John Barney, of Gould Avenue West, found the medal in his garden with a metal detector, while preparing his garden for a patio.

The medal, according to its inscriptions, belonged to a Private A Rowley, service number 8132, and Mr Barney has found out he was from Kidderminster and in the Second Battalion of Worcestershire Regiment.

The medal is a 1914 Star, which was a British Empire campaign medal for service in World War One.

Mr Barney, who was inspired to trace the immediate family of the owner after reading a similar story in the Shuttle last week, said: “I did some research online and I believe the medal was awarded to Arthur Rowley, born in Oldington, Kidderminster in 1894. He served in the Second Battalion of Worcestershire Regiment and was present at the famous Battle of Gheluvelt in October 1914.

“I found out that he survived the war and died in late 1967, aged 73 in Kidderminster.

“Where I live used to be farm land and I think this man worked as a farm labourer on the local farm.

“The chances are he has grandchildren or family living somewhere who would be entitled to receive the medal in the anniversary of the Great War.”

Do you know the relatives of Private A Rowley? Contact reporter Dayna Farrington on 01384 358234 or email dayna.farrington@kidderminstershuttle.co.uk