A VETERAN from St Albans who served in Egypt 55 years ago has just received his Suez campaign medal. Roy Lowe, aged 73, was a soldier in the Beds and Herts Infantry regiment, and spent 18 months in Egypt during the Suez Canal campaign of the early 1950s.

A VETERAN from St Albans who served in Egypt 55 years ago has just received his Suez campaign medal.

Roy Lowe, aged 73, was a soldier in the Beds and Herts Infantry regiment, and spent 18 months in Egypt during the Suez Canal campaign of the early 1950s. The medals only became available five years ago and it was fellow veteran Ken Butcher - also from St Albans - who encouraged Mr Lowe to apply.

Said Mr Lowe: "Ken was with me in Egypt, and recently he asked me if I'd got my medal yet. I thought he was barmy at first, but once I realised we could apply, I sent off for it and my engraved medal arrived within four days - I'm very pleased."

Mr Lowe guarded the canal and was promoted to signaller within his regiment. Reflecting on his experience, Mr Lowe said he was glad he served the country, and it's now a great talking point among friends. "The only disappointment was that I didn't see the pyramids or the Sphinx. But 50 years on my wife Audrey and I went and saw them on holiday to make up for it", he said.

Mr Lowe, who lives in Watford Road, St Albans, was inspired by his trip to Egypt in the 50s. He said, "One thing I got back from the service - apart from the medal - is a fascination with all things Egyptian. I often say I must have been an Egyptian King in a former life!"

The veteran is a father of three and his daughter Joanne Robinson said she was very proud of his achievement. "He's thrilled with the medal, and his story will hopefully prompt other veterans to apply for their well-deserved prize", she said.