A Victoria Cross medal.

Ninety years after the end of World War I, the supreme award for courage in combat – the Victoria Cross - is on display at the Queensland Museum.

The Courage of Ordinary Men: Three Stories of the Victoria Cross is an evocative exhibition featuring three revered VCs and the stories of the courageous men who received them.

The inspiring display brings to life the wartime experience and personal histories of award recipients Private Patrick 'Paddy' Joseph Bugden VC, Private Robert Matthew Beatham VC and Major Blair Anderson Wark VC, Distinguished Service Order (DSO).

Through medals, original letters and photographs, contemporary descriptions, poetry and an intriguing sound and light presentation, visitors can experience a soldier's life in the trenches of the Western Front.

Queensland Museum Chief Executive Officer Dr Ian Galloway cites the moving exhibition as an opportunity to honour the sacrifices of ordinary men who achieved extraordinary feats.

"Opening just before Anzac Day, it is a poignant reminder of the heroic sacrifices of our Armed Services men and women, both past and present," Dr Galloway said.

The Victoria Cross award was established by Queen Victoria in 1856 to recognise conspicuous bravery in war. The medal has been awarded 1356 times, 96 of those to Australians.

Two of the Victoria Crosses on display are on loan from the United Service Club Queensland and author Neil Jenman. The other was donated to the Queensland Museum by the family of Private Bugden.

What: The Courage of Ordinary Men: Three Stories of the Victoria Cross
Where: Queensland Museum South Bank, Cnr Melbourne and Grey Streets, South Brisbane
When: From 23 April 2008
Cost: Free

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