Imperial War Museums bosses have performed a partial U-turn on their controversial decision to close the Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the end of the month

Thousands more people can see the world's largest collection of Victoria Cross and George Cross medals in a victory for Britain's "bravest of the brave". War heroes took a stand outside the Imperial War Museum in London last week in protest over the venue's plans to remove their gallantry gongs from public display at the end of this month to make way for exhibitions about post-World War II conflicts.

Iraq War hero Johnson Beharry, 45, the first living soldier in almost 50 years to be awarded the VC, was among veterans who slammed moves to close the "stunning" exhibition as the nation commemorated the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Lord Ashcroft has gathered 240 VCs, the highest military decoration awarded in the United Kingdom, as well as 42 George Crosses, the highest civilian gallantry award. The first Victoria Cross was awarded in 1856 by Queen Victoria. The George Cross is bestowed on those who have displayed the greatest heroism or the most conspicuous courage while in extreme danger. Only 418 have been awarded since 1940.

Now museum bosses have retreated on their decision and agreed to keep the Lord Ashcroft Gallery, home to the Extraordinary Heroes exhibition, open until the end of September after he threatened legal action. The "common sense" decision to keep the gallery open to the public for a little longer was welcomed by Lord Ashcroft, a businessman, philanthropist and former deputy chairman of the Tory Party.

To read the complete article, see:
Museum retreats in medal row in 'important victory for common sense'(https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2053110/IWM-Medal-Gallery-Lord-Ashcroft)

See also:
Imperial War Museum makes temporary U-turn on Victoria and George Cross exhibition(https://www.forcesnews.com/heritage/history/lord-ashcroft-gallery-stay-open-until-september-after-imperial-war-museum-changes)
Imperial War Museum U-turns on decision to axe Victoria Cross display(https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/05/09/imperial-war-museum-u-turns-decision-pull-victoria-cross/)

To read the earlier E-Sylum articles, see:
MUSEUM TO CLOSE VICTORIA CROSS EXHIBIT(https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n09a27.html)
VENUES VIE FOR ASHCROFT VICTORIA CROSSES(https://www.coinbooks.org/v28/esylum_v28n11a21.html)