Canadian Victoria Cross for sale at upcoming auction
I don't know about controversy, but this should launch a discussion about preserving our heritage. The owners, whether or not they are family, deserve the right to sell the medals for market value, it should not be the role of the Government to determine what they can do with them. On the other hand, it should be the responsibility of the Government to ensure this rare part of Canadian history remains in Canada. It's a fine balance.
Victoria Cross sale to launch controversy
Victoria Cross of Robert Shankland, one of the trio of First World War heroes from Winnipeg's 'Valour Road', is to be auctioned next month in Toronto. The Medals comprise: Victoria Cross, engraved on reverse (Lt. R.Shankland. 43rd.. Bn.Can.Infy 26. Oct. 1917.); Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (420933 C.S.Mjr: R.Shankland. 43/Can: Inf: Bn:); British War and Victory Medal (Capt. R.Shankland.); Defence Medal; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with overseas bar; War Medal; Coronation Medal 1937; Coronation Medal 1953.
Victoria Cross of Robert Shankland, one of the trio of First World War heroes from Winnipeg's 'Valour Road', is to be auctioned next month in Toronto. The Medals comprise: Victoria Cross, engraved on reverse (Lt. R.Shankland. 43rd.. Bn.Can.Infy 26. Oct. 1917.); Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (420933 C.S.Mjr: R.Shankland. 43/Can: Inf: Bn:); British War and Victory Medal (Capt. R.Shankland.); Defence Medal; Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with overseas bar; War Medal; Coronation Medal 1937; Coronation Medal 1953.
Photograph by: Randy Boswell, Canwest News Service
An iconic Canadian war medal — the Victoria Cross of Robert Shankland, one of the trio of First World War heroes from Winnipeg's "Valour Road" — is to be auctioned next month in Toronto at a sale likely to prompt controversy and possible government intervention.
Shankland's VC, awarded to him in 1917 for "most conspicuous bravery" in leading his troops against the Germans at Passchendaele, is the centrepiece of a nine-medal set being offered at Bonham's May 25 auction of Canadian art and history.
posted by WE Speak at 10:02 a.m.
5 Comments:
As shocking as this is, I was wondering perhaps if you had any opinion on Michael Coren disparaging the service and reputation of a fallen Canadian soldier merely because she was a woman.
I suspect you would be rather apoplectic had it been Heather Mallick making such a charge...
There's a good Wikipedia article, with photo, about Robert Shackland, who served in BOTH World Wars.
"Valour Road"-Wow! What are the odds on THREE recipients of the VC living on the same street?!
Wups! My bad. It's Robert Shankland.
Thanks for the link Dave. I should have put some more info in the original post.
Mike, I didn't even know about the article until you mentioned it. Mark has an appropriate response posted on the blog.
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