Museum brings together medals awarded to WW1 soldier

The four campaign medals acquired at auction by the Museum of the Mercian Regiment

The military medals of a World War One soldier have been brought together for the first time in more than half a century.

They were awarded to Sgt James Upton, from Bulwell in Nottingham, who served with the Sherwood Foresters.

His four campaign medals were bought at auction by the Museum of the Mercian Regiment, which already had his Victoria Cross.

The complete set will go on display at its gallery later this year.

Sgt Upton served with the 1st Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters, made up of soldiers from Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

His campaign medals were bought at auction in London last month and have been reunited with his Victoria Cross, donated to the regiment in 1965.

He was awarded the Victoria Cross - the highest and most prestigious decoration of the British honours system - for his actions during fighting at Rouges Bancs, France, on 9 May 1915.

He was said to have "displayed the greatest courage in rescuing the wounded while exposed to very heavy rifle and artillery fire".

Sgt James Upton wearing his Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious decoration of the British honours system

The museum also acquired a folder containing a decorative card, listing all the Victoria Cross recipients at a dinner in 1929 at the House of Lords, hosted by the then Prince of Wales, later King Edward VIII.

The items were bought with help from the Mercian Regiment, Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Association and Arts Council England/V&A Fund.

Lt Col Mark Holden, chairman of the museum trust, said: "Reuniting Sgt Upton’s campaign medals with his Victoria Cross after nearly 60 years is a significant milestone for our regimental family."

Museum curator Jennifer Brookman-Moore added: "The items relating to the Victoria Cross are important because we don't have any other examples in our collection."

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