All 10 Royal Marines Victoria Crosses Go on Display Together 2026

The Victoria Cross display featuring all 10 medals awarded to the Royal Marines has opened at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, marking the first time these extraordinary artifacts have been shown together in public. The permanent exhibition, part of a new £15m Royal Marines Experience, tells the story of 360 years of marine history and the incredible bravery of those who received the UK's highest award for valor.

A Historic Gathering of Heroism

For the first time, all 10 Victoria Crosses awarded to Royal Marines are on public display. These medals, previously kept in secure storage, represent the pinnacle of courage in the face of enemy fire. The exhibition allows visitors to connect with the personal stories behind each medal, from the Crimean War to both World Wars and beyond.

"It's fantastically special," said Matthew Sheldon, CEO of Royal Navy Museums. "The Royal Marines have only ever been awarded 10 Victoria Crosses. We have all 10 of them. The originals have never been seen together before. They've been in secure storage, not visible to the public, which seemed like a crying shame."

The Stories Behind the Medals

Each Victoria Cross tells a tale of bravery under fire. The recipients were often young, junior ranks who found themselves in close-quarters combat, much like modern marines who operate in small, agile teams. Their actions, whether in the trenches of World War I or the jungles of Malaya, exemplify the corps' values of courage, determination, and unselfishness.

The exhibition not only honors these individuals but also prompts visitors to reflect on the nature of conflict and the UK's role in global events. As Sheldon notes, "When we look at the world now and we look at our military, it's not about large set pieces – it's often quite small incidents below the level of full-out declared wars."

Victoria Cross Recipients: A Comparison

Key Takeaways from the Exhibition

• All 10 Royal Marines Victoria Crosses are displayed together for the first time.
• The medals are part of a new £15m Royal Marines Experience at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard.
• The exhibition covers 360 years of marine history and personal stories of bravery.
• Recipients were often young, junior ranks in close-quarters combat.
• The display encourages reflection on the UK's military role in global conflicts.

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