Missing Victoria Cross medals returned to museum

Missing Victoria Crosses returned to an Essex museum

Two Victoria Cross war medals which mysteriously disappeared from a museum have been returned safely.

Staff at Chelmsford City Museum realised the medals had gone missing when they carried out a routine inspection in September.

Initially the museum said there was no evidence to suggest the medals had been stolen but a spokesperson said: "Their anonymous return confirms that the Victoria Crosses had been taken."

Essex Police is aware of the disappearance and has been investigating.

Staff realised in September the medals were missing

Marc De’ath, culture services manager at Chelmsford City Council, said "valuable lessons" had been learnt.

“We are extremely relieved to have these Victoria Crosses back at Chelmsford Museum," he added.

"Although there has been a happy ending to this story, their removal should not have happened."

The medals were awarded to Sgt William McWheeney in 1857 and Lieutenant Francis Parsons in 1900.

Descendants of Sgt McWheeney and Lt Parsons have been informed of the development.

The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious decoration of the British honours system.

It is awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British Armed Forces.

Once inquiries into the return of the medals have been completed, the original crosses will replace replicas currently on display.

A spokesperson from Essex Police said its investigation was still ongoing.