On November 28, 1981, Richard Lee's daughter, Katrice, disappeared near a British Army base in Paderborn, Germany, on her second birthday. Richard Lee, an army veteran, has been advocating for answers regarding his daughter's disappearance for over four decades. On a recent protest journey from Hartlepool to Downing Street, Lee attempted to return his military medals to highlight perceived failures in the investigation by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Royal Military Police.
Lee’s actions stem from frustration over numerous unsuccessful appeals and the handling of the case. Despite various efforts, including a reopened investigation in 2012 under Operation Bute and the excavation of a riverbank in 2018, no new leads have surfaced.
During his protest, Lee expressed his belief that the institutions involved have prioritized their reputations over transparency. His refusal to accept the medals as “personal belongings” underscores his dissatisfaction. He plans to write to the Master of Arms at the Houses of Parliament to return the medals.
The Ministry of Defence, while expressing their sympathies, reiterated their commitment to the ongoing investigation, now under the Defence Serious Crime Unit since December 5, 2022. Richard Lee continues to seek a public or independent inquiry into his daughter’s case, holding onto hope of reuniting with Katrice, who was last seen wearing a blue duffle coat, green and blue pinafore dress, red wellies, and a white blouse.