Colonel Brad Geyser from South Africa found a gold engraved watch at a market in Cape Town, he worked to track down the owner and reunited it with family
Family heirlooms are some of the most prized items we can ever have in life. Holding something that meant a great deal to a long-lost relative often connects us with our past and feeds that feeling of belonging.
These little heirlooms become treasures that get passed through generations. Sadly, sometimes these treasures get lost, almost never to be seen again.
South African Defence Force Colonel Brad Geyser found one of these treasures while browsing a market in Cape Town. As soon as he flipped the watch over he realised he held something precious in his hand. He quickly bought the engraved watch and started the search for its rightful owner.
Using the message engraved on the back, which read “presented to RSM O C Dipper 7th Northumberland Fusiliers 1930”, Col. Geyser knew he needed to find a contact in the UK to help him. He reached out to the chairman of the fusiliers association in Northumberland, retired Major Chester Potts.
Through the research Major Potts did, they found that Oliver Charles Dipper had been a brilliant soldier and had an incredible career from a very young age. You can read his full career acknowledgement here. He was awarded the watch just before the outbreak of World War 2.
“At the outbreak of WW2 Oliver found himself with the rank of lieutenant with the 1st Battalion Royal Northumberland Fusiliers in Egypt and when hostilities commenced his wife and family were evacuated to South Africa. They obviously took Oliver’s watch with them and during their stay, the watch mysteriously disappeared.” – Major Chester Potts
Once the family was able to return home, they left South Africa and never hoped to see the watch again. The family eventually settled in Germany. He retired from the army in 1968 and died in Germany in 1979 at the age of 83. He had served his country for 54 years.
The Daventry Express shared the story of the watch online and the daughter of the late Oliver Dipper came forward. She lives in Surrey and her name is Dorothy Pullen. Major Chester Potts confirmed the following,
“Yesterday Dorothy attended the Regimental Headquarters at HM Tower of London and it was a great honour to present the watch back to her after being lost for 78 years.
Dorothy and her family were treated to a VIP visit to the Tower. The family are very grateful for this magnificent gesture by Colonel Geyser. Brad was disappointed he could not be there at the presentation but hopes to visit the UK and meet Dorothy soon.”
Meet Colonel Brad Geyser, the South African man who reunited a family with a great treasure. The thought truly brings tears to our eyes. It is just WOW!!!!
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