RALPH Johnson's interest in military history and in particular in the Monmouthshire Regiment led him on a fact-finding chase which has ended in the Forest of Dean.

Mr Johnson, of Goldfinch Close, Caldicot, bought a collection of three medals at a military fair held at Yate, near Bristol.

"They were won by a man who had served in the Monmouthshire Regiment so naturally I was interested in them," explained Mr Johnson.

They had been owned by Pte George Ernest Delany who had served with the territorials, the First Battalion, Second Monmouthshire Regiment.

Mr Johnson's research has took him to the National Records Office.

"I found out that Mr Delany had volunteered as a territorial in Coleford where he lived in May 1912 when he was 18 years old. He was called up in 1914 and was a member of the first group of territorials to go into action that year," said Mr Johnson.

He has since discovered that Mr Delany had a twin brother, William.

The story took more twists and turns as Mr Johnson searched army records.

He discovered Mr Delany was injured having been shot in the right shoulder in action in 1915.

He was returned to Britain only to be accidently wounded, again by gunshot, and this time in the left shoulder, the following year.

Mr Johnson also knows that prior to his war service Mr Delany worked for a local blacksmith, Mr Cole, of Boxbush Road, Coleford, and after his discharge with only one arm he was employed in and around Coleford as a postman.

"His brother William was buried at Christchurch in 1970 and Mr Delany was alive then as he attended the funeral," said Mr Johnson.

"I would be pleased to find out more about him. It is a fascinating story so I am hoping there is a Review reader who will remember him or knows something about his family," said Mr Johnson.

•Mr Johnson can be contacted on 01291 420066.