Governor-General Open War Memorial's Hall of Valour

Before a gathering that included living Victoria Cross holders Keith Payne VC OAM, Corporal Mark Donaldson VC, Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith VC MG, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC, the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia has officially opened the Hall of Valour at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

The Hall of Valour honours the Australians who have received the Victoria Cross and the George Cross, recognising the deeds of ordinary Australians under the extraordinary conditions of war.
98 Australians have received the Victoria Cross, Australia's highest award for bravery in time of war.

The Victoria Cross was instituted in 1856 by Queen Victoria and made retrospective to 1854 to cover the period of the Crimean War. The metal used in all Victoria Crosses is taken from the guns captured from the Russians at Sebastopol during the Crimean War of 1854 to 1856.

For more information go to www.awm.gov.au/visit/visit-mustsee-valour.asp