Historic talisman returned

War time treasure is to be returned

A religious relic taken from a battle site more than 85 years ago is being returned to Belgium by a family from Melton, Leicestershire.

Although it is an heirloom passed down through three generations, the family believe it should be returned to where it belongs.

During the First World War Royal Engineer Pioneer Alfred Gable came across a crucifix hanging on the last remaining wall of a church or house in Ypres.

It became his talisman and he carried it around for a year and a half before returning home.

The silver model of Christ mounted in an oval case was passed through the generations but his grandchildren want it to be in a place where it will be appreciated.

Joan Gable said: "It is Granddad's treasure he picked it up and it meant such a lot to him.

"Granddad called it his lifesaver, it kept him alive and kept him going through the war and thankfully it kept him alive until he was 96.

"To us it is just beautiful, but we have come to the conclusion it needs to be back home where it came from.

"We got talking one day and decided it ought to go back to where it came from before it gets lost."

The crucifix will be officially presented on 24 June in an official British Legion ceremony in Ypres.