An agreement between the Queensland Museum, the United Service Club Queensland and author Neil Jenman will ensure that two priceless Victoria Crosses can be seen by the Queensland public. The Museum today received the two World War 1 Victoria Crosses on loan from the United Service Club and Mr Jenman and announced the development of a display to commemorate next year's 90th anniversary of the end of World War 1.
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest recognition of valour in war that can be awarded to members of the Armed Services of Britain, Australia and a number of other Commonwealth countries.
The medals were awarded to Major Blair Anderson Wark VC, DSO and Private Robert Mathew Beatham VC for their actions on the Western Front in 1918.
Chair of the Board of the Queensland Museum, Ms Anne Jones said the Museum was honoured to care for the prestigious and valuable medals and would ensure they were available for all to view in commemoration of next years' important wartime anniversary.
"The Museum holds a number of significant items from World War 1, including Mephisto, the only surviving German tank from the war," Ms Jones said.
"However, Wark's and Beatham's VCs and a further one in the Queensland Museum collection awarded to Private Paddy Bugden, will take pride of place in the planned display.
"With Anzac Day firmly on our minds, today's event is a poignant reminder of the heroic sacrifices of our Armed Services men and women, both past and present."
President of the United Service Club, Lieutenant Geoff Colless thanked Neil Jenman for his generosity and commended his patriotic desire to return the medals to Australia.
"We are honoured and immensely proud that Neil Jenman chose, 8 years ago, to place these priceless symbols of Australian heroism in the custody of the United Service Club Queensland. This Loan Agreement with the Queensland Museum allows the Queensland public access to view the medals and best utilises the Museum's expertise in the storage, conservation and display of objects of such importance to the community," Lieutenant Colless said.
The Victoria Cross was introduced in 1856 and has been awarded 1356 times. Only 96 Australian's have received the nation's highest recognition for valour. -- www.qm.qld.gov.au
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