“There are hotter places in the world, but nobody lives there”

So said Horace John Coleman about his time serving in 73 Field Security Section (Special Investigation Agency) of Paiforce, (Persia and Iraq Force).

A keen sportsman, he played rugby for Cambridge and Coventry.

Although his medal ribbon bar is well used, the medals were not claimed until long after the war, and were never worn by him, hence their pristine condition.

Commissioned from the ranks, Lieutenant Coleman’s medals are, from left to right, 1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Defence Medal and War Medal 1939-45. He passed away in 1997 aged 78.