Appeal for return of unique ring

A THIEF has stolen a unique and highly valued family heirloom from the home of a couple in Woburn Close, Hailsham.

It is a gold and jade ring, and the only reminder that Peter Kiernander has of his father Charles, a highly decorated and respected member of the British Intelligence forces in Burma.

'It's something we can never replace,' said Peter's wife, Louisa. 'He treasured it. Rather than wear it, he preferred to hide it away because he was afraid he would lose or break it.

'I feel very guilty because I put it in my jewellery box, which the thief just took. There was also my wedding ring, a diamond ring and a couple of gold bracelets inside.'

Charles Kiernander lived his life in Burma (now the Republic of Myanmar) and, during the Second World War, controlled a platoon of Ghurkhas in the Shan states.

He was well known in the country as he would regularly visit parliament house for top-level meetings, and was mentioned in dispatches.

His duties included parachuting into some of the most dangerous areas of Burma to inform British soldiers where the Japanese enemy was located.

For Peter's 21st birthday his father had the special ring made from 22-carat gold and a square jade inset. Peter's initials, PDK, were set in gold on top of the stone.

The following year, 1952, Peter left Burma for a one-month holiday in England, to see the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. It was the last time he saw his father.

While at a dance in Streatham, Peter met his wife-to-be, Louisa. They started dating and it wasn't long before Peter had decided not to return to Burma.

'I begged him to stay in England when we met,' said Louisa. 'He never went back. He left all his possessions there, including his dad's many medals. We don't know what has happened to them.

'So the ring means everything to Peter. We only popped into Eastbourne for a couple of hours at lunch time last Wednesday when the theft happened.

'Our son Donald went mad when he heard about the theft of the ring. He was due to inherit it. He has even offered a reward for its return.'

To the person who stole the ring, Louisa has issued the following message: 'Please understand that my husband has nothing left of his father or time in Burma without that ring. We must have it back as soon as possible.'

Readers with any information should contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999.