Detectives have launched an investigation after a distinctive 106-year-old FA Cup winners’ medal was stolen in a house burglary.
The rare medal was given to Barnsley FC player Philip Bratley following a famous win against West Brom in 1912 – just one week after the sinking of the Titanic.
The keepsake was stolen with many other items from his 82-year-old granddaughter’s home in Rotherham, South Yorks., on Friday March 16.
The offenders gained access through a back door and ransacked the house taking a number of items.
Philip Bratley scored Barnsley’s winning goal in their semi-final replay with Swindon to help the team reach the West Brom final.
The final was played over two matches after the teams played out a 0-0 draw in the first leg.
Henry Tufnell scored the winning goal for Barnsley just two minutes before the end of the match to huge celebrations at a sold-out Bramall Lane, the home ground of Sheffield United.
The gate receipts for the replay on April, 24, 1912 were £2,615 and a collection was held for the Titanic Disaster Fund.
Philip Bratley left Barnsley during the first world war and passed away aged 82 in 1962.
Investigating officer Acting Detective Inspector Aneela Khalil-Khan said: “This item is of great sentimental value to the family and belonged to the 82-year-old victim’s grandfather who at the time, played for Barnsley.
“The medal is engraved with the name Philip Wright Bratley and was given to team members who beat West Brom 1-0 in an FA Cup replay at Bramall Lane.
“The family is extremely upset that this, along with many of their belongings have been stolen and are also coming to terms with the fact that they have been the victims of a burglary.
“If you have any information please get in touch so that we can try and reunite this invaluable item with its rightful owner.”
An investigation is underway and anyone with information is asked to contact 101 quoting incident 849 of 17 March 2018.
