Australia’s prized Victoria Crosses from Gallipoli are in Brisbane to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the landing.

It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for locals to see the nine crosses first hand.

Erin Gregor reports.

[flashvideo file=https://www.qutnews.com/uploads/tv-2010-2/20100930-VC-Exhibit.flv /]

TRANSCRIPT

The Victoria Cross is the highest form of recognition for gallantry “in the face of the enemy”.

A total of 97 Australians have received the honour.

One of the nation’s only two living recipients was inspired as a young soldier by the amazing stories from Gallipoli.

Keith Payne VC OAM, Victoria Cross Recipient: “They were going out of the trenches and immediately running into a wall of lead coming from the Turkish machine guns.”

As a decorated Veteran from Korea, Malaya and Vietnam, Mr Payne had some sage advice for today’s troops.

Keith Payne VC OAM, Victoria Cross Recipient: “Carry out your duties to the best of your abilities. Do not be shy of making a decision that has to be made.”

The VC’s are on tour around the nation while the Hall of Valour at the Australian War Memorial is refurbished.

Rebecca Britt, Curator Australian War Memorial: “The exhibition has been to Perth and Darwin, to Melbourne and Adelaide, and in each of these cities, people have been flocking in to the venue to experience these awards.”

They were introduced by Queen Victoria in eighteen-fifty-six and are made of metal from Russian guns captured in the Crimean War.

The stories of these brave men are not only incredible but inspirational. The Victoria Crosses will be on display from tomorrow till mid November.

Erin Gregor, QUT News.