The E-Sylum:  Volume 10, Number 17, April 29, 2007, Article 17

VICTORIA CROSS MEDALS TO BE DISPLAYED IN AUSTRALIAN MUSEUM

According to a report this week in the Brisbane Times, "Queenslanders 
will have the opportunity to view two highly-prized Victoria Cross 
medals from next year, after a businessman loaned them to the Queensland 
Museum.

"Mackay businessman Neil Jenman bought the medals at a Melbourne auction 
in 1999.

"Mr Jenman paid $185,000 and $100,000 respectively for the two medals, 
awarded to heroic young Australians who fought in France in World War 1.

"Major Blair Wark and Private Robert Beatham were both aged 24 when 
they were recognised for their brave deeds on the field of battle.

"Major Wark was awarded the VC in September 1918, after three days of 
heavy fighting attempting to break German defences along the Hindenburg 
Line.

"During the battle, Wark and two other men disabled a battery of 77mm 
guns, two heavy machine guns, and captured 60 Germans.

"Private Beatham received his VC in August 1918 when he destroyed five 
enemy machine posts and captured 10 enemy crew.

"The medals will form part of an extensive exhibition at the Queensland 
Museum, commemorating the 90th anniversary of the end of WWI.

"The first Victoria Cross medals were awarded after the Crimean War 
in 1857, with the medals struck from the bronze of captured Russian guns.

"In the past 150 years, 96 Australians have received the VC, with four 
Queenslanders being honoured with the distinction."

To read the complete article, see: Full Story

  Wayne Homren, Editor

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