The Courage of Ordinary Men: Three stories of the Victoria Cross
This moving exhibition tells the stories of three men who were awarded the Victoria Cross (VC).
It features three Victoria Crosses, and brings to life the wartime experience and personal histories of VC recipients:
Things to see and do
Experience a soldier's life in the trenches of the Western Front in World War 1:
- See their Victoria Cross medals.
- Examine the evidence - read original letters and view photographs that tell the story. Look particularly at Paddy Bugden's letters and the picture they give, in his own words, of life at the Front.
- Read poetry inspired by the conflict
- Develop an appreciation of the lives of three ordinary but courageous men and learn about the brave deeds that led to their Victoria Cross citations.
- Imagine life for the Aussie Digger both in the trenches and away from the Front Line.
- View original film footage and experience a sound and light show about life in the trenches on the Western Front.
- Reflect on Australia's role in a war that was far from our shores but very close to our hearts.
- Be reminded of the ways war is commemorated in our society by reflecting on the significance of Poppies.
Victoria Cross
Queen Victoria established the award that bears her name in 1856, during the Crimean War, to recognise 'conspicuous bravery' in war.
98 medals have been awarded to Australians.
It is open to all ranks and is the highest honour awarded by the Australian armed services for bravery in combat.
The medal carries the words "For Valour".
Read more about the Victoria Cross.
With thanks to...
Mr Neil Jenman and Mrs Ruth Jenman for generously lending the Victoria Cross of Private Robert Beatham.
The United Service Club Queensland for generously lending the medal set and associated papers of Major Blair Wark.
The Queensland Museum also gratefully acknowledges the assistance of:
Harold and Jeremy Beatham; Bernard Knapp; John Barnes; Enid Booth and her daughter Jane Macleish; Mark Whitmore, Imperial War Museum, London; Major John Wright, Victoria Barracks Museum, Brisbane; Chris Lloyd; Keith Webster; Brian Manns, Army History Unit, Canberra; Gerry Commerford; Katie and Sophie Kemm; Brian Worthington, Alstonville Plateau Historical Society; John Healy.
