The Green Howards Museum in Richmond has worked with six schools to help students discover the stories of soldiers recognised for the highest level of bravery.
Schools were matched up with a Victoria Cross holder, pupils have visited the museum and received a session at school all about their chosen VC recipient.
Each school has carried out research, gathered information about their soldier and created a banner summarising their findings.
The schools involved are:
- Hollis Academy, Middlesbrough – Stanley Hollis VC
- Richmond School – Tom Dresser VC
- Bedale High School – William Short VC
- Boroughbridge High School – Archie White VC
- Saint Francis Xavier, Richmond – William Anderson VC
- Risedale College, Catterick – Henry Tandey VC
18 Victoria Crosses were awarded to soldiers serving with The Green Howards.
The museum has 14 of them on display in its Medal Room, which re-opened earlier this year following a four-month redevelopment, supported by a National Lottery Heritage Grant.
“One of the actions on the Medal Room Improvement Plan was to include more interactive information about the servicemen who received the award ‘for valour’, and this latest project with schools has extended that yet further, whilst introducing students to the skills required should they wish to pursue studies or a career in research or museums and archives,” explains learning officer, Carl Watts.
“It’s been a great opportunity to study these stories through fresh eyes.
“Whilst the actions which earned these individuals their VC took place many years ago, the themes of friendship, bravery, teamwork and duty stand the test of time and are truly inspirational.”
The schools worked independently on their banner, but will gather together at The Green Howards Museum on Monday 11 November to unveil them, share their Victoria Cross holder’s story and observe two minutes’ silence, before taking the banners away to display in their school.
Museum staff and volunteers have also researched the stories of some of the many individuals whose medals are on display in the new Medal Room.
These form a new, ever expanding section of the museum’s website, where visitors can learn more about the people who served and earned their medals throughout the regiment’s 318 year history.
