The Western Australian Museum – Perth will open specially this ANZAC Day, Sunday 25 April, from 1.00pm to 5.00pm and on the ANZAC Day public holiday, Monday 26 April from 9.30am – 5.00pm, so that people can visit the exhibition This company of brave men; the Gallipoli VCs.

Chief Executive Officer of the WA Museum Alec Coles said it was important for the Museum to be open on ANZAC Day so visitors attending the parade and services could also visit the Museum to see first hand the extraordinary stories associated with the nine Gallipoli Victoria Cross medals.

“The Museum is usually closed on ANZAC Day but we know that people attending the parade will want to see the Victoria Cross medals. The ANZAC spirit was borne at Gallipoli and this is an important way in which people can continue their ANZAC Day commemorations,” Mr Coles said.

This company of brave men; the Gallipoli VCs features the medals of Corporal Alexander Burton, Corporal William Dunstan, Private John Hamilton, Lance Corporal Albert Jacka, Lance Corporal Leonard Keysor, Captain Alfred Shout, Lieutenant William Symons, Lieutenant Frederick Tubb and Second Lieutenant Hugo Throssell.

Second Lieutenant Hugo Throssell was a Western Australian farmer who joined the 10th Light Horse at the outbreak of war. He arrived on Gallipoli in August 1915 and survived the regiment’s ill-fated charge at the Nek on the 7th of August.

While most of the Victoria Crosses were awarded to Australians during the Battle of Lone Pine, Throssell was awarded his Victoria Cross for bravery in action during August at Hill 60.

Seven of the nine Victoria Crosses awarded at Gallipoli were for bravery during the battle of Lone Pine, on 6-7 August, 1915. A total of 97 Australians have received the Victoria Cross, the highest form of recognition that can be bestowed on a soldier.

The tour is part of activities to commemorate the 95th anniversary of the Gallipoli campaign and it is the first time the medals have travelled outside the Australian War Memorial.

The Gallipoli VCs is presented by the Australian War Memorial and made possible through the generous support of Mr Kerry Stokes AC and Seven Network Limited.

This company of brave men; the Gallipoli VCs is on display at the Western Australian Museum – Perth from 20 March – 2 May 2010. The Western Australian Museum – Perth is open daily, excluding Wednesdays, 9.30am – 5.00pm. Entry to the Gallipoli VCs exhibition is free.

Media contacts:

Western Australian Museum:
Renae Woodhams (08) 9212 3860; 0439 948 779; renae.woodhams@museum.wa.gov.au
Flora Perrella (08) 9212 3856; 0424 027 646; flora.perrella@museum.wa.gov.au

 

Australian War Memorial:
Emma Campbell (02) 6243 4575; 0409 600 038 media@awm.gov.au