Kids playing in dirt might expect to find some random things - probably not service medals from World War I.
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But that's exactly what Rory Gardiner found in his NSw Southern Highlands backyard.
The 11-year-old was playing in newly-excavated dirt at Robertson when he found a British World War I service medal.
He ran inside his house and showed off the discovery to his mother Simone with great excitement. And so began a hunt for the soldier's family.
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"We washed it off and did a bit of internet research," Simone said. "It's a 1914 to 15 Star. I'm not sure how it ended up on our property when it's a British Royal Navy campaign medal."
The inscription on the back of the medal reads 'F H Rogers' and the service number is 'K9687'.
"I've been searching around on all kinds of UK government archives," Simone said.
"His full name is Frank Horace Rogers, according to the national archives in England. He was born in London in 1891."
Simone posted in the Robertson Commons Facebook group and asked if anyone knew the family.
The post has gained a lot of interest, however the soldier's family hasn't been located yet.
Simone said she believed the medal was only discovered by chance.
"It's just so lucky Rory spotted it. It's amazing," she said.
If you have any details about this service medal, email emily.bennett@southernhighlandnews.com.au with your contact information.
