A SECOND World War veteran who lives in Basingstoke has finally received his medals, 71 years after the war ended.

Reginald Bryant, who is 93 and lives in Abbey Court in Popley, has now received six medals that he earned during his military career. Mr Bryant has received them in time for Remembrance Day, when he will mark the occasion with all his medals and his family by his side.

He was surprised with them on Monday by his friend Phil Lloyd, 64, who befriended him through the NeighbourCare scheme and who applied to the Government for the medals. Mr Bryant had elected not to claim them after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima near the end of the war in August, 1945. “When the atom bomb was dropped, thousands of civilians died and that was not my cup of tea. I didn’t want that to be a part of me.” Mr Bryant said. “However, I decided recently that this was part of my history and my life and I wanted to have the medals after all these years.”

In his service, Mr Bryant worked for five and a half years in the Army as a driver to the medical officer. When he signed up for the Army, Mr Bryant wasn’t quite 18, but over the course of his military career, Mr Bryant visited Algiers, Tunisia, Italy and Greece.

The medals that Mr Bryant earned include the Italy Star, Africa Star, Palestine General Service Medal and the War Medal 1939-1945.

Mr Lloyd and Mr Bryant only met in February this year, and have become firm friends. Mr Lloyd said: “They matched us up together after I did 30 years in the Army myself before I retired. I get to see him two or three times a week and we’re close friends now. “He’s become friends with all my family and friends, they’re always asking after him.” Mr Bryant said: “Phil’s been absolutely brilliant. If it wasn’t for him, I never would have sent off for the medals. Even though we only met early this year, he feels like a lifelong friend. I want to thank him for everything he does and has done for me.”

Previously, Mr Bryant has lived in London, working for Decker Records and was a painter and decorator, working on Mayfair and on MPs’ residences.

Thanking the staff at the sheltered accommodation, Mr Bryant said: “The staff are amazing, they really look after you here. I get on well with all the carers, and Phil comes and visits me two or three times a week. It’s great here.”