A MEDAL issued by the French government to James Grant in 1826 is part of the haul from a burglary at Bradfords Lane, Little Horsted on Friday April 20.
The medal is inscribed in French, but the English translation is: ‘To James Grant, son of a captain of an English ship for saving at risk of his life a French soldier near to drowning at St Servan. 20th June 1826’.
Also taken were a number of second world war medals issued to Lieutenant Commander Reginald Ernest Willson RNVR.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the burglary between 6pm and 8am when a large amount of jewellery was stolen.
DC Alex Campbell said: “These items are extremely sentimental to the owner.
“This was an awful crime and we are asking for the public’s help in reuniting the items taken with their rightful owner.”
Any witness or anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting Ref EW1/033930/12.
Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.