Son pays tribute to courageous Lostock Gralam postman (From Northwich Guardian)

Son pays tribute to courageous Lostock Gralam postman

8:20am Thursday 21st February 2013 in News By Emma Rigby

THE funeral has been held for a courageous postman from Lostock Gralam who gave chase to an armed assailant in 1970.

Friends and family of David Gwynfryn Thomas, or Wyn as he was affectionately known, paid their respects at Walton Lea Crematorium on January 15.

The 83-year-old, who was born in Caernarfon, North Wales, was one of three children born to Kate and David Thomas, and died on January 1.

He grew up in Deiniolen, before moving to Northwich with his wife Isle in the 1950s.

It was here in Northwich, back in 1970, when Wyn carried out a true act of bravery that saw him receive a British Empire Medal, a medal still treasured by his only child Stephen.

“Dad was working at Northwich Post Office and doing his collections at the station,” said 58-year-old Stephen, who lives on Ann Street.

“There was a woman in the phone box and this guy came up to her and started shouting and swearing at her. He went away and then came back with a shotgun.

“Dad saw red and chased after him. He went down the road and stopped a car and jumped into it.

“The man shot the car tyre out so dad got out of the car and got onto a motor bike.

“He eventually got him on the ground with the help of a Police Constable who was also there and disarmed him.”

Stephen, who works as a security officer for Uniqwin, added: “I was 15 at the time and me and my mum went to Buckingham Palace with dad to receive his award.”

As well as working as a postman, Wyn also enjoyed gardening and watching snooker.

Wyn was widowed in May 2012 and leaves son Stephen, four grandchildren, his sisters Nan and Edith, as well as nieces and nephews.

Donations to the British Heart Foundation.