A FORMER Royal Marine commander has been left devastated after burglars broke into his home to steal sentimental military objects.

Thieves took a Portuguese commando medal and red beret given to David Livermore by a work colleague, along with a Second World War service watch belonging to his wife’s grandfather, from the house in Daws Heath Road, Rayleigh.

The house was burgled between 9.30am and 8.20pm on Monday after thieves smashed through a rear french door, also taking a diamond and white gold necklace with matching earrings, men’s gold signet rings, a nurse’s badge and fob watch and other jewellery worth more than £2,000.

But David, who left the Royal Marines in 1990 after eight years service, said although the jewellery was replaceable, the military items were not.

He said: “The medal and beret were given to me by someone who used to work for me, who was an ex- Portuguese commando. He had lost his father and gave me his medal as a ceremonial thing at the leaving do.

“It’s gut-wrenching for me. It was a beautiful thing for him to give those things to me, but I really wish he hadn’t done it now.

“I just can’t think why anyone would steal anything like that – it doesn’t make any sense.

“Whoever took them will probably think they’re worth something, but I don’t think they’re worth anything to anyone else.”

The medal is bronze with a green and white striped ribbon and was in a light blue presentation box with a plaque inscribed “Erikson Suosa De Costa”.

Along with this medal was a green beret with a Royal Marines badge and a Portuguese Commando red beret with a Portuguese badge. The service watch also has a leather strap.

Anyone with information about the break-in can call Det Con Lorraine Monte at Southend CID on 101, ext 470167.