Medals

Replacement VC group awarded to Private Francis FitzPatrick, 94th Regiment, 1879-1900

Lost and found: A tale of two VCs

The medals of Private Francis Fitzpatrick, an Irish-born Victoria Cross hero, have recently been reunited at the National Army Museum after more than a century of separation.

Crimean War Victoria Cross recovered from the River Thames foreshore in 2015

The unsolved mystery of the Thames VC

A Victoria Cross found on the shores of the River Thames in 2015 is the subject of an ongoing mystery. Research has since narrowed down the list of possible owners to two heroic soldiers of the Crimean War.

The Victoria Cross

The Victoria Cross is Britain’s joint-highest award for gallantry. Granted for acts of extreme bravery in the presence of the enemy, it has achieved almost mythical status, with each award accompanied by an inspiring story of courage.

Captain John Grant Malcolmson VC, 3rd Bombay Light Cavalry, c1860

John Grant Malcolmson VC: Hero of the Persian War

A remarkable collection of objects, including a rare Victoria Cross, tells the heroic story of Lieutenant John Grant Malcolmson, who served during the Persian War (1856-57).

Medal ribbons

The colours of medal ribbons carry symbolic meanings, drawing on deep-rooted traditions in military history and heraldry. This symbolism is an important part of medal design.

Damaged office buildings in Scarborough, 1914

Remember Scarborough!

On 16 December 1914, the German Navy bombarded several towns on England’s north-eastern seaboard. This surprise raid brought the First World War to the British mainland for the first time and soon became the subject of a propaganda war.

Medal commemorating the coronation of King George IV, 1821

Coronation medals

The Army plays a key role in major state occasions, not least the coronation of a new monarch. For centuries, commemorative medals have been issued to soldiers involved in these celebrations, both in Britain and across the Empire.

Jacket worn by Captain John Malcolmson VC, c1860

Wool, wax and whalebone: Preparing a uniform for display

Our conservation team describes some of the essential work required to get one of the highlights of the Global Role gallery ready for display.

Royal Army Temperance Association medal for 20 years' abstinence awarded to Private J H Smith, The Royal Munster Fusiliers, 1915

‘Watch and Be Sober’: The story of Army temperance

This collection of Army temperance medals demonstrates the efforts made by officers and soldiers in the 19th and early 20th centuries to resist the temptation, and avoid the perils, of the demon drink.

Gold Medal of Merit for 20 Years Good Conduct, 13th Regiment of Foot, 1825

Regimental medals

Before campaign medals, gallantry decorations and good conduct awards were introduced in the 19th century, many regiments rewarded outstanding service with their own ‘unofficial’ medals.

Explore Medals stories