Little is known about the service medals that were discovered by Griffith RSL Sub-Branch president Roy Stacy.

He found them tucked away in a little old suitcase in a brown envelope belonging to his old mate, the late Cecil Tyndall. “Cec’s family gave the suitcase to me. They don’t know anything about the medals. In fact they didn’t even know they were in the case,” Mr Stacy said.

“They were in fairly ordinary condition when I found them, but I’d say they would be very special to someone if they knew about them. I hope we can find a relative or family member who will claim them.

“No one knows how Cec came to have them. They are a real mystery at the moment. If we can’t find a home for them, we’ll probably look at donating them to the museum.”

Inscribed on the medals is NX 13571 Private James Murty. The medals are the African Star, 1939-1945 Star, 1939-1945 Defence Medal, 1939-1945 War Medal and the 1939-1945 Australian Service Medal.

Further investigations have found that Private Murty was born on March 28, 1918 in Glasgow, Scotland. Date of enlistment in the Australian Army was April 29, 1940 in Paddington and his date of discharge was August 9, 1943. His next of kin at the time was Jean Murty.

If Mr Murty was alive today he would be 90 years old, but even if he’s not Mr Stacy is hopeful someone, somewhere will recognise the name. In an effort to locate a relative he has advertised on both radio and television and the medals are also due to appear on the ABC Can We Help program.

If you can help solve the mystery of the medals, contact Roy Stacy on 6962 2588 or

0428 124 319.