Fed: War memorial accepts 61st Victoria Cross

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2006
Fed: War memorial accepts 61st Victoria Cross

CANBERRA, Dec 12 AAP - An anonymous donor has handed the Australian War Memorial its
61st Victoria Cross.

Lance Corporal Bernard Gordon was awarded the commonwealth's highest honour after capturing
six enemy machine guns and 60 prisoners during the Gallipoli campaign in World War I.

One of the machine guns is already on display inside the memorial's Gallipoli gallery.

The medal arrived at the war memorial early today with little fanfare and a request
from the donor for anonymity.

"We had a whisper it may be donated to us yesterday," curator Nick Fletcher said.

"I went to bed curious and woke up curious."

The medal was auctioned last month for $485,800, the second highest price ever seen in Australia.

Memorial director Steve Gower was delighted with the donation.

"Such medals are a tangible reminder of the great sacrifice our soldiers have made
in the past," Mr Gower said.

AAP pv/sb/evt/de

KEYWORD: GORDON (WITH PIX)

2006 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.