Skip to content

The Museum of Military Medicine

Travel Through British Army Medical History

0
  • Visit
  • News
  • Shop
  • Collections
    • Archives
      • Researching Individuals
      • Family History Research
      • Useful Research Links
    • Research Enquires
  • Learning
    • Schools Groups
    • Group Visits
    • Society Talks
  • Get Involved

Mistaken Gallantry: The Medical Victoria Crosses


The Victoria Cross, the nation’s highest award for gallantry, was instituted in 1856 and since that date forty medical personnel of the army and navy of Great Britain and its former empire have received this award. Of that number, two have received the award twice and a further one was recommended for a second award but turned it down. Who were these gallant men of many nationalities, including one American doctor, and why did they put their lives in extreme danger and in some cases lose their lives to save others, in the majority of cases their only protection being a Red Cross armband?

These were just ordinary men, all but three of them doctors and for the first time their lives are explored in the new book by former museum director Pete Starling Mistaken Gallantry: The Medical Victoria Crosses which is available only from the museum shop.

Also included in the story of one Victoria Cross not presented to an individual but to the Army Medical Services as a whole, when, on 19 May 1856, Queen Victoria placed a Victoria Cross beneath the foundation stone of the new military hospital at Netley on Southampton Water. This VC is now on display at the museum.

The book is priced at £14.99, and can be ordered from the museum shop.

Museum News

First Honorary President role made by Charity

...Read more
Posted on 27/05/2022 by Director
Museum News

Falklands 40: A New Exhibition

...Read more
Posted on 11/04/202211/04/2022 by Director

Contact

Tel: 01252 523176

The Museum of Military Medicine
Keogh Barracks
Ash Vale
Aldershot
GU12 5RQ

Visiting Us

  • Opening Times
  • Getting Here
  • Disability & Access

Corps History

  • RAMC
  • RAVC
  • RADC
  • QARANC

Resources

  • Schools Groups
  • Group Visits
  • Society Talks
  • Shop
  • Hire
  • Links
  • Delivery Costs
  • T&Cs
  • Privacy Policy
  • Facebook
© 2022 The Museum of Military Medicine. An Independent Museum and registered charity no. 1171026.
made by
By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.