A remarkable discovery in a Melbourne op shop has reignited the memory of a South Australian war hero whose medals went missing decades ago. A set of seven World War II medals, including the prestigious Distinguished Flying Medal, were found among donated items, sparking a community-wide effort to return them to the surviving relatives of Warrant Officer Kenneth Peters.
The Medals and Their Owner
The medals belonged to Warrant Officer Kenneth Peters, who grew up in Millicent and later lived in Edwardstown, Adelaide. Peters served as a tail gunner during World War II, flying perilous missions over Berlin and engaging enemy aircraft. RSL members have described his actions as reflecting extraordinary bravery.
Community Effort to Find Family
Unley RSL president Pieter Haverhoek made it his personal mission to locate Peters' relatives after the medals surfaced about a year ago. "It just embodies what Anzac Day is about," he told 7NEWS. Peters was laid to rest at West Terrace Cemetery alongside his wife, Nelly Jean. The couple had no children, making the search for surviving family particularly challenging. However, the community rallied, digging through archives, contacting historians, and enlisting Air Force cadets, who created an award in Peters' honour. Their commander eventually traced a grand-niece through ancestry records.
"Uncle Ken is remembered fondly in their family," Haverhoek said. "She had no idea how the medals ended up in Melbourne because he was an Adelaide resident."
Official Handover on Anzac Day
The seven war medals will be officially handed back to the family on Anzac Day, in what the RSL describes as a fitting tribute to a man whose service had nearly been lost to time. "I'd like to think he's going to be with us on Anzac Day," Haverhoek said. "Thanks mate — and look what we've done for you. We remember you. Lest we forget."
