The Courage of Ordinary Men

Three Victoria Cross medals – the men, the stories, the history.

An evocative exhibition featuring three revered Victoria Crosses and the stories of the courageous men who received them will open at Queensland Museum South Bank from 23 April 2008.

The Courage of Ordinary Men: Three Stories of the Victoria Cross will commemorate this year’s 90th anniversary of the end of World War 1.

The free exhibition will bring to life the wartime experience and personal histories of VC recipients Private Patrick Joseph Bugden VC, Private Robert Matthew Beatham VC and Major Blair Anderson Wark VC, DSO.

Through medals, original letters and photos, contemporary descriptions, poetry and an evocative sound and light presentation, visitors can experience a soldier’s life in the trenches of the Western Front.

CEO of the Queensland Museum Dr Ian Galloway said the exhibition was a rare opportunity to observe, up close, the supreme award for courage in combat.

“This moving exhibition will honour the sacrifice of ordinary men who achieved extraordinary feats,” Dr Galloway said.

“Opening on the eve of Anzac Day, it is a poignant reminder of the heroic sacrifices of our Armed Services men and women, both past and present.”

Two of the Victoria Crosses on display are on loan from the United Service Club Queensland and author Mr Neil Jenman. The other was donated to the Queensland Museum by the family of Private Paddy Bugden and is part of the Museum collection.

Queen Victoria established the Victoria Cross award in 1856 to recognise “conspicuous bravery” in war. The medal has been awarded 1356 times, 96 to Australians.