Regimental museum seeks final VC for Armistice tribute

NO OTHER British regiment has won more Victoria Crosses in a single war than the Lancashire Fusiliers – 18 in the First World War.

Now the regimental museum is making a historic effort to bring them all together for the first time. The museum in Bury, Lancashire, has sourced 17 of the 18 for an exhibition this autumn commemorating the centenary of the Armistice.

Just one, awarded posthumously to Lt-Col Bertram Best-Dunkley, 26, for his “gallant and determined” actions at Passchendaele, eludes them.

The medal was last heard of in 1983, when its owner, Canadian Jack Stenabaugh, offered it for auction. He then failed to put it forward so it believed to still be in private hands.

Helena Briden, general manager of the Fusilier Museum, told The Sunday Telegraph: “The Fusilier motto Omnia Audax – Bravery in all things – was most certainly prevalent during this time but also continues today.

“It will be incredibly special to have all 18 VCs together allowing us all to is reflect on the commitment the Fusiliers displayed to the country.”

Brian Gorski, the chairman of the museum and a retired colonel of the regiment, said: “We want to remember those who fell and helped to secure our freedom as a country on the centenary of the end of the First World War.

“It is always important to us in the regiment.”