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Callous thieves have stolen an RAF sergeant’s entire collection of 10 medals, awarded for serving this country in Northern Ireland, Bosina, Afghanistan and the Falklands.

Shiv Chand’s treasured military honours were snatched from the back of his Vauxhall Zafira, parked in Elstow, Bedford, as he and wife Armit attended a family wedding.

The thieves stole bags and suitcases which also contained Armit’s wedding ring and necklace. The raid took place during heavy snowfall of Friday, March 2.

Shiv, aged 54 and from Hill Top, West Bromwich, said: “They have stolen 32 years, heart and soul. It has gutted me.”

He ended his role in the RAF last year, but is still active as a full-time reservist with the force. He represents the RAF at functions when the row of medals is worn.

They were in a box with three watches when they were snatched.

Shiv, a grandfather, intended to select one of the timepieces for his niece’s wedding ceremony.

(Image: Handout)

“We intended to go straight to our hotel, but had to drop the wedding presents off,” he explains.

“We were there for half-an-hour when someone said our car had been broken into.

“They took what they could. The insurance covers things like the watches and the jewellery, but the medals can’t be replaced.

“The medals have no monetary value. They all have a service number, which is like a car registration. That number is unique to me.”

Shiv has been particularly devastated by the theft of his Afghan medal, awarded for training that war-torn country’s own troops.

The missing collection also includes long service and NATO medals. The RAF has pledged to provide replicas to be worn during Shiv’s civic duties, but they are no match for the real thing.

The family has urged people to report anybody trying to sell Indian gold jewellery – it includes a necklace engraved with the letter A – or any RAF service and cross band medals.