Owen Kellaway is also one of just two surviving men from his unit.

Owen lost his medals when the family home at Birdwood was burnt to the ground on Anzac Day 1978.

The family arranged replacement medals for this presentation. These include 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45 and Dunkirk Medal.

Owen was presented with a Commerative Medal by the towns of Dunkirk and Flanders in 1978 when he returned to the area. This was the only medal Owen had after the fire.

The presentation was made at an RSL sub-branch luncheon on Wednesday.

The 98-year-old was surrounded by family and friends for the event.

During the Second World War Owen joined of the British Territorial Army in 1937 as an Artillery Man, Light Anti-Aircraft Gunner. In 1939 he was sent to France during the early part of the war. Owen was part of the Battle of Dunkirk as a member of the British Expeditionary Forces. Owen was involved with the evacuation of troops from Dunkirk where 330,000 allied troops were rescued. Owens recollection of this time is very vivid and he tells of being issued with 33 Anti Aircraft rounds and no rounds for his rifle.

Owen is one of two surviving men from his unit and probably the only Dunkirk veteran in Australia.

Today’s presentation was made by Warrant Officer Class 1 RSM Shawn Goodbody from RAAF Base Amberley. Family included Granddaughters Narelle Curtis and Suzanne Brown, Daughter in Law Joyce Curtis, Great Great Granson Brandon Curtis, Daughter Denise Kellaway, Nita Hollis, family friend, Don Free, Son in Law.

The Wauchope Golf Club also made a presentation to Owen on his wonderful achievements.

Owen and his late wife Nell and two children, Denise and Graham came to Australia in 1960. They lived in Glenbrook and Birdwood in the 70s, later moving into Wauchope. 

He has 2 children, 6 Grandchildren, 9 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great Great Grandchildren.