Lord Ashcroft’s Collection of Victoria and George Crosses Finds New Home at the National Army Museum

Lord Ashcroft’s Medal Collection at the National Army Museum

Lord Ashcroft's prestigious collection of Victoria Crosses (VC) and George Crosses (GC) is set to find a new home at the National Army Museum in London, a move that promises to enrich the cultural landscape of British military history. For over 40 years, Ashcroft has meticulously curated this unparalleled assembly of bravery medals, which stands as the largest collection of its kind globally. This collection boasts approximately 250 Victoria Crosses, alongside a smaller selection of George Crosses, each representing extraordinary acts of heroism.

Previously housed at the Imperial War Museum in London, the lord's collection faced uncertainty when the Lord Ashcroft Gallery was closed last September after 15 years of operation. However, the recent announcement of its transition to the National Army Museum has reignited excitement among military history enthusiasts and the general public alike.

Lord Ashcroft expressed his delight at this new chapter for his collection, stating, "I am thrilled to have found such a magnificent place for this unique collection of gallantry medals. It brings me great joy that the public will once again have the opportunity to enjoy these VC and GC awards that span many of the significant wars and conflicts over the past two centuries."

This sentiment was echoed by Justin Maciejewski, Director of the National Army Museum, who highlighted the honor of being entrusted with such a meaningful collection. "We are grateful to Lord Ashcroft for his ongoing generosity and commitment to preserving these extraordinary stories. These medals are integral to our shared history as they narrate the bravery and sacrifices of soldiers throughout the ages."

Chris Finney, a board member of the National Army Museum and President of the VC and GC Association, remarked, "This remarkable and extensive collection encompasses centuries of military service and sacrifice, showcasing extraordinary bravery across the Armed Forces. We are privileged to share these medals along with the inspirational personal stories they represent, reaching audiences both in person and online for generations to come."

The genesis of Lord Ashcroft's fascination with such honors began in 1986 with the purchase of a single group of medals at an auction. The Victoria Cross was instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856, representing the highest award for valor in the presence of the enemy within the British and Commonwealth forces. In contrast, the George Cross, established by King George VI in 1940, recognizes acts of gallantry not in the face of the enemy and has been awarded to several civilians for their valor.

Alongside these prestigious decorations, Ashcroft has amassed various commendations from Special Forces and bravery medals recognizing courage both in the air and at sea. His passion for merit awards was initially inspired by his late father, Eric Ashcroft, a young officer who participated in the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944.

Remarkably, Ashcroft's collection includes one of only three VC and Bars awarded over the past 170 years, which was given to Captain Noel Chavasse VC Bar, MC, a medical officer who served and died during the Great War.

In light of the previous gallery's closure, Ashcroft has also made his collection available in digital format on his website, ensuring that the remarkable narratives behind these distinctions remain accessible. The collaboration with the National Army Museum will enable the public to engage with the collection and derive inspiration from the notable stories of courage it encapsulates.

The display of Lord Ashcroft's VC and GC collection will commence at the National Army Museum over the next two years, with select medals featured in temporary exhibitions starting this July. As the repository of Army history and heritage, the museum will exhibit items from Ashcroft's collection alongside its own vast troves of objects, archives, and art, all while conveying the rich narratives of soldiers and their service, particularly the origins of the Victoria Cross during the Crimean War.

Additionally, the National Army Museum plans to loan the VCs and GCs long-term, creating a plethora of educational exhibitions, guided tours, talks, and digital content that delve into the human valor represented by these awards. More comprehensive details regarding the new partnership between Lord Ashcroft and the Museum will be forthcoming as the exhibition date approaches.

For further exploration of Lord Ashcroft’s work and commitment to preserving these incredible stories of bravery, visit LordAshcroft.com or follow his updates on social media platforms. The National Army Museum welcomes visitors from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, located at Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4HT. For updates on the museum and its exhibitions, check their website at nam.ac.uk.