Victoria Crosses won by our bravest fighters could now be lost to Australia

Risk of honours heading abroad due to closure of War Museum gallery

- By Giles Sheldrick Chief Reporter

WAR medals awarded to British battlefield heroes could be permanently displayed - but in Australia.

The previously unthinkable move comes after the Imperial War Museum announced that it was closing the Lord Ashcroft Gallery - home to 230 Victoria Crosses and a smaller number of George Crosses from his personal collection from June 1.

It means the priceless haul, the largest of gallantry medals awarded for feats of outstanding bravery, could be shipped 10,000 miles away and displayed for the first time overseas.

Lord Ashcroft, 79, said: "It is true I have had generous offers from other nations that have expressed an interest in displaying my VC and GC collection.

"However, it would be wrong of me to identify these countries while discussions are ongoing."

The decision to shut the IWM wing and remove the stunning collection from public display has sparked outrage. The Daily Express understands that Lord Ashcroft, whose father Eric took part in the D-Day landings, has received offers from two Commonwealth nations with the King as head of state.

Australia, New Zealand and Canada each have their own version of the Victoria Cross. These awards are unique to each country's medals system but they are named in honour of the British VC.