GALLIPOLI SERVICE MEDALS AT THE MARYBOROUGH MILITARY MUSEUM

The Fraser Coast boats the nation's largest collection of Gallipoli service medals, including a Victoria Cross.

Allan Woodward, a director of the Maryborough Military Museum, said 'The Gallipoli room' holds the largest collection of medals awarded during the conflict in Australia. Mr Woodward said the collection has been a mission for the museum's owner, John Meyers.

"Particularly on the volume of medals on Gallipoli; of course the Australian war memorial does hold the nine Victoria Crosses awarded to Australians," said Mr Woodward, "but not the sheer number of medals of officers and men who served at Gallipoli."

The Victoria Cross on display is that of Major Herbert James, an English recipient of the gallantry medal. Mr Woodward said it was a formidable task for the museum to acquire a VC.

The museum is open Anzac Day, and is staffed by a team of almost 100 volunteers who keep the museum open every day of the week. Mr Woodward said volunteers are also involved in the maintenance of the museum's Ferret armoured car.

To read the complete article, see: Maryborough's piece of Gallipoli history (www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2012/04/24/3488086.htm)

Wayne Homren, Editor

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