A HAUL of military medals dating back to The Crimean War remain missing after they were stolen from a museum more than three years ago.

The medals and military items stolen in July 2012 from The Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum in Eastbourne have never been recovered and the council’s insurance claim on the £21,000 haul is still to be resolved.

Eastbourne Borough Council has said it hopes to finally resolve the issue early in the New Year.

The collection, which belonged to the Queens Royal Irish Hussars, was stolen in a night-time raid with thieves prizing open display cabinets.

The stolen haul included twelve medals belonging to Second World War hero Sir John Hackett and valued at £4000.

Australian-born Sir John fought in the Syria-Lebanon Campaign, where he was mentioned in dispatches, before commanding C Squadron of the 8th Hussars in North Africa where he suffered burns when his tank was hit.

He also suffered a near fatal stomach wound when shot during the Allies assault on Arnhem in The Netherlands and escaped from the Nazis with the assistance of the Dutch underground.

He went on to a successful high-ranking career in the army where he was eventually promoted to general while he also had two war-based novels published in the 1980s.

Also still missing are a set of four medals belonging to soldier John Robinson dating from 1839-1852 valued at £7250 while two Crimea campaign medals of J Whitehead are valued at £4500.

Silver entree dishes made from silver captured at Salamanca were also valued at £4000.

An Eastbourne Borough Council spokesman said: "We anticipate the claim being settled early in the New Year.

“It has taken more time than expected due to variances in the valuation of the collection and related negotiations with the insurance company loss adjustors.

“However, we can confirm that all sides are now closer to agreeing a settlement of these matters.”

Detective Sergeant Dave Tye added: "This was an unusual break-in at the Redoubt Fortress and Military Museum and was a low blow especially as it happened straight after Armed Forces Day in 2012.

"It was very upsetting for the people who work at the museum as the items stolen have all been awarded for people's bravery.

"All lines of enquiry were investigated but no-one has been arrested and the items have not been recovered."