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How brave are you?

A new gallery at the Imperial War Museum about men, women and children who did something special

Extraodinary Heroes

For the first time in 10 years the Imperial War Museum has a new permanent gallery. The Lord Ashcroft Gallery has the world's largest collection of Victoria Cross (VC) and George Cross (GC) medals awarded to men and women who showed great bravery.

The amazing stories of these men and women are told using seven qualities of bravery: agression, boldness, endurance, initiative, leadership, sacrifice and skill.

Facts and figures about Victoria Cross and George Cross

Who is Lord Ashcroft?

So, why is this exhibtion called The Lord Ashcroft Gallery? Lord Ashcroft is an international businessman and has always had a fascination with bravery and with the Victoria Cross (VC). He started collecting VCs in 1986 and now has more than 160 (worth £30 million).

Why is this exhibtion important?

This exhibition is not just about modern conflicts and the impact that has on us but also shows how, when faced with extreme situations, some people can do extraodinary things.

The Imperial War Museum enlisted 25 young people aged 13-18 to help them to make this exhibition engaging for young people. As a result you can get a better understanding of the exhibtion. They created a very moving animation The Story of Matthew Croucher GC definitely worth watching!

The museum also worked with eight young people from Southwark and Lambeth - Street Genius. They researched, wrote and recorded a great audio guide of the exhibtion.

Download the Street Genius audio guide to the gallery (MP3 Format, 13.5MB)

They also researched, wrote and designed their own exhibition, which will tour venues in South London in November. To find out more information you can keep up to date with their blog.