AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL SHOWCASES VICTORIA CROSS MEDALS

More than 60 medal collections from Victoria Cross winners, estimated to be worth more than $30 million, have a $4.5 million new home. The public will be able to see the redeveloped 300sqm section of the Australian War Memorial's Hall of Valour at a ''soft opening'' tomorrow. An official opening will be held on February 23.

Among the new items on show are four uniforms, three worn by Victoria Cross winners, Flight Sergeant Rawdon Middleton, Private Arthur Gurney and Captain Percy Cherry.

The medals of Australia's latest Victoria Cross winner, Trooper Mark Donaldson, can also be seen.

The Hall of Valour now displays more than 60 Victoria Cross medals along with the other medals earned by the VC recipients.

Hall of Valour curator Libby Stewart said medal collections of Victoria Cross winners cost between $500,000 and $1.5 million.

The medals are donated by philanthropists such as media owner Kerry Stokes who paid for a recent addition, medals once worn by Private Henry Dalziel, who fought in both world wars.

The new-look Hall of Valour includes a circular space directly below the resting place of the unknown soldier, who is entombed in the floor above.

To read the complete article, see: Reopend Hall of Valour displays VCs to public (www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/
reopend-hall-of-valour-displays-vcs-to-public/2033022.aspx)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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