Museum removes medals because the heroism they honour was too long ago

THE world's largest collection of First and Second World War bravery medals is being removed from display because the acts they celebrate happened too long ago.

- By Giles Sheldrick

The Lord Ashcroft Gallery, housing 230 Victoria Crosses and a smaller number of George Crosses from his priceless personal collection closes at the Imperial War Museum (IWM) on September 30.

They have been displayed since 2010 as part of the Extraordinary Heroes exhibition commemorating the bravest of the brave. The VC is Britain's highest military decoration for valour in the presence of the enemy, while the GC is awarded to those who have displayed the greatest heroism or the most conspicuous courage while in extreme danger.

But the IWM has admitted it will pull down the shutters on the exhibition a month after Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) which marks the end of World War II because so few people who remember the conflict are alive.

The collection in the London building will be replaced with stories of conflicts "within visitors' living memory".

Sacrifices