Victoria Cross Case

[RaymondG]

Hi

I thought I would share this gem with you; an original Victoria Cross case.

As you can see, it is made by the authorised jeweller and manufacturer of the VC, Hancock & Co.

I was lucky enough to be able to loan this to photograph before returning it to the owner.

It is one of those items that I doubt I will ever see again.

Raymond

[RaymondG]

And here are some more.

You will notice the damage to the lining. This was caused when alterations were made to the case so the mounting on the ribbon would fit in the box.

Raymond

[Allan Pilch]

VC related.

My daughter grauated from Liverpool University this week, and the award ceremony was at the Anglican Catherdral.

While walking around the grounds killing time I came across this.

I must fid out about this chap.

Allan

[RaymondG]

Hi Allan

Here you go:

Born in Southport, Lancashire in 1872, Richardson emigrated to Canada in 1898. After a period as a rancher he joined the North-West Mounted Police in 1894. At the outbreak of the Boer War in 1900 he joined the newly raised Lord Strathcona's Horse.

He was 27 years old, and a sergeant when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 5 July 1900 at Wolwespruit, Standerton, South Africa, a party of Lord Strathcona's Horse (38 in number) came into contact and was engaged at close quarters with a force of 80 of the enemy. When the order was given to retire Sergeant Richardson rode back under very heavy cross-fire, picked up a trooper whose horse had been shot and who was badly wounded and rode with him out of fire. This act of gallantry was performed within 300 yards of the enemy and Sergeant Richardson was himself riding a wounded horse.

Richardson was the first soldier to be awarded the Victoria Cross for actions committed while serving with a Canadian unit under British command.

He re-joined the NWMP in 1901 and served until 1906. After his wife's death in 1916, Richardson returned to Liverpool and died there in 1932.

[Allan Pilch]

Thanks Ray