A project to link schools with a Victoria Cross recipient is nearing completion.
The museum has been working with seven schools to help students understand more about the stories of the men who were recognised for the highest level of bravery. The regiment’s first Victoria Cross was awarded in 1855 and the last in 1939.
Schools were matched up with a Victoria Cross holder and pupils have visited the museum and received a session at school all about their chosen VC recipient. Each school has carried out research and gathered information about their particular VC holder and created a banner summarising their findings.
The Hollis banner will be joined by six more at the museum on Remembrance Day.
18 Victoria Crosses were awarded to soldiers serving with The Green Howards, and the museum has 14 of them on display in its Medal Room which re-opened earlier this year following a four-month redevelopment. One of the improvements was to include more interactive information about the servicemen who received the award ‘for valour’, and this latest project has extended that yet further. The museum received a National Lottery Heritage Grant to support the Medal Room Improvement Plan, and the schools project is part of that.
“It’s been a great opportunity to study these stories through fresh eyes,” explains Learning Officer, Carl Watts. “Whilst the actions which earned these individuals their VC took place many years ago, the themes of friendship, bravery, teamwork and duty stand the test of time and are truly inspirational.”
The schools involved are:
Hollis Academy, Middlesbrough – Stanley Hollis VC
Richmond School – Tom Dresser VC
Bedale High School – William Short VC
Boroughbridge High School – Archie White VC
Saint Francis Xavier, Richmond – William Anderson VC
Wensleydale School, Leyburn – William Clamp VC
Risedale College, Catterick – Henry Tandey VC
Representatives from the schools involved will meet at the museum on Monday 11 November to unveil their banners and share their stories, before taking them back to their schools to display.