The island’s charity for military veterans has launched a campaign to recover a ceremonial sword that was stolen more than 20 years ago.

The sword was taken from the historic Old Rectory, then the home of Lieutenant-Colonel Brendan Hollis, during the annual Christmas Walkabout in the town of St George.

A Bermudian historian as well as a soldier, Colonel Hollis, who will turn 87 this month, is said to be still hopeful that the sword will be returned.

Colonel Hollis now lives with wife Barbara in Calgary, Canada, and the couple are said to be “delighted” by the Bermuda Legion’s attempt to locate the sword.

Carol Everson, case worker at the Bermuda Legion, said the sword was “a cherished possession, presented to him by his wife when he was awarded his commission as an officer”.

She added: “He and his wife were, and still are, devastated at the loss.”

Patricia Hollis, Colonel Hollis’s niece said: “He was deeply distraught — it was very, very sentimental, and he is thrilled that someone would care enough to try and get it back.”

The sword disappeared during the Bermuda National Trust’s Christmas Walkabout, when historic premises of the Olde Towne are opened to the public.

The couple were custodians for many years of the Old Rectory, a heritage gem in the East End, but after the walk they noticed the sword was missing from its mount on a wall.

Nothing else was taken.

The Wilkinson standard rifle sword, engraved with BODH for Brendan O’Donnell Hollis, has a bugle engraved on the hilt and was in a leather scabbard.

Anyone with information on the sword’s whereabouts should contact the Legion at nosoldierleftbehind@hotmail.com or call 703-1020 or 293-3975.

The sword can be returned to the Royal Bermuda Regiment or handed in at the front desk of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences.