In the end the medals are symbols, but the reality of the decorations continues
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As someone who has dealt in medals over the last 36 years, and has had many hundreds of very interesting groups pass through my hands (although none quite as special as this one) I have regarded their temporary ownership as they passed through my hands as a privilege, and I am quite sure that in most cases the final buyers think the same. The fact that the original owners have parted with the actual medals, which are, after all, only symbols of the award, detracts not one iota from their courage. In this case he will still be Wg Cdr B. Burbridge, DSO*, DFC* in spite of the fact that the actual medals have moved on.