War medals awarded to British battlefield heroes could be permanently displayed...in Australia.

The previously unthinkable move comes after the Imperial War Museum [IWM] said it was closing The Lord Ashcroft Gallery, home to 230 Victoria Crosses and a smaller number of George Crosses from his personal collection, from June 1.

It means the priceless lot, the world's largest collection of gallantry gongs awarded for feats of outstanding bravery, could now be shipped 10,000 miles away and displayed for the first time abroad.

Speaking exclusively to the Express Lord Ashcroft, 79, said: "It is true that I have had generous offers from other nations that have expressed an interest in displaying my VC and GC collection abroad. However, it would be wrong of me to identify these countries while discussions on this are ongoing."

The decision to shut the wing and remove from public display the stunning collection of medals awarded to military greats for acts of derring do has sparked outrage.

The Express understands Lord Ashcroft has revived offers from two Commonwealth nations with the King as head of state which also award the Victoria Cross and whose militaries have been awarded many VCs.

Only Canada, New Zealand and Australia have their own awards that honour the Victoria Cross, given for bravery in action. In each case, their highest award for most conspicuous bravery was named in honour of the British (Imperial) Victoria Cross.

The sensational development comes days after an unprecedented programme of events was announced to commemorate and celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day on May 8, which marks the end of the Second World War in Europe. Victory over Japan Day on August 15 is the day on which Imperial Japan surrendered, effectively bringing the Second World War to an end.

A source close to the row said: "Understandably, Lord Ashcroft has been approached by interested parties all saying, 'please, bring the collection here'. Although it would be an enormous shame, publicly displaying them, despite not being in the UK, is far more preferable than this extraordinary living history being kept under lock and key in a dark vault and out of sight. That was never the intention."

The Express understands the IWM refused a request to keep the gallery open beyond June 1 until an alternative venue was found.

To read the complete article, see:
Priceless war medals awarded to British battlefield heroes could be lost to AUSTRALIA(https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2023524/War-medals-Britan-Australia)

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
MUSEUM TO CLOSE VICTORIA CROSS EXHIBIT(https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n09a27.html)