The five Victoria Crosses that were awarded for the battle of Arnhem are brought together for the first time in history. They form the new exhibition: For Valour in the Airborne Museum.
On the 5th of april, For Valour is officially opened in the Airborne Museum Hartenstein in Oosterbeek.
Homage
For Valour brings a homage to all British soldiers for their bravery during the battle of Arnhem, symbolized by those who were awarded the Victoria Cross (VC).
These five VC’s tell the poignant stories of Lieutenant John Hollington Grayburn, Flight Lieutenant David Samuel Anthony Lord, Lance-sergeant John Daniel Baskeyfield, major Robert Henry Cain and Captain Lionel Ernest Queripel.
Cain is the only one who survived the battle of Arnhem. The other soldiers received the VC posthumously.
Meaning Victoria Cross
The VC is the highest and most prestigious British military decoration for showing exceptional courage in wartime. The VC was introduced on 29 January 1856 by Queen Victoria to recognize and be able to differentiate heroism in all ranks of the British army.
Setting the Medal was the direct result of the Crimean War (1853-1856). The medal is since the setting in 1856 produced by a small jewelry company in was London: Hancock’s & co.
True to tradition, the raw material for the bronze medal is from a cannon that was captured during the siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War. The VC has gotten a cult status of almost mythical height.
In the exhibition is a old movie to see from after the war about how the Victorian Cross is made.
The motive For Valour
In the earlier exhibition ‘ EGO. Vergeet mij niet (Do not forget me) ‘ (2016-2017) of the Airborne Museum the John Grayburn VC already on display. During the development of this exhibition the ambition was born to have all five Arnhem VC’s in a temporary exhibition.
The VC’s of the battle of Arnhem are currently part of four different collections in Britain: Lord Ashcroft Medal Collection housed at the Imperial War Museum, the Staffordshire Regiment Museum, the Airborne Assault Museum and the collection of the family Grayburn.
The status of the Airborne Museum Hartenstein- headquarters of the British 1st Airborne Division during the battle of Arnhem-as a player within the commemorations and the pilgrimage of veterans and family members which takes place annually in September, played a important role in order to present the medals temporarily in Oosterbeek.
For Valour is the beginning of a strong international cooperation that will lead to the intensive sharing expertise, knowledge and historical collection.
For Valour is shown from 6 april to 1 October 2018 in the Airborne Museum, Utrechtseweg 232, Oosterbeek
