RAF Victoria Cross medal saved for the UK

The Victoria Cross, awarded to Squadron Leader Arthur Scarf for his bravery during the Second World War, is a rare and unique artefact which shares the story of the RAF in the Far East.

This important part of history was under risk of being lost to the UK after being sold at auction to a private overseas buyer.

Strong support

With the help of £390,000 NHMF funding, generous donations from the public and other charities, the Royal Air Force Museum has now matched the £660,000 winning auction bid in order to keep the medals in the UK and on public display. 

Maggie Appleton, RAF Museum CEO, said: “A heartfelt thank you to every single person who supported us. Whether you donated or shared our campaign with friends and family, we couldn’t have done this without you. To have raised £660,000 in three months is simply amazing.”

Saving the UK’s heritage

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of NHMF, said: “The National Heritage Memorial Fund works to safeguard the UK’s most significant heritage and form a lasting memorial to those who gave their lives. This rare and unusual medal, which will now form part of the national collection, perfectly encapsulates what NHMF stands for.”