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How King George VI secretly saved first Victoria Cross for nation
Cecil William Buckley, a Royal Navy lieutenant in the Crimean War, carried out dangerous raids on Russian-held towns in 1855. His Victoria Cross was the first announced in the London Gazette, and the article says King George VI secretly bought Buckley’s medal group in 1951 to preserve it for the nation.
Buckley joined the Navy aged 13 and served in several ships before taking part in operations in the Sea of Azov. In May 1855, he and two volunteers set fire to Russian stores at Genitchi, narrowly escaping Cossacks; five days later, he led further raids on stores and government buildings at Taganrog. The Victoria Cross was instituted in January 1856, and a plaque in Funchal, Madeira, commemorates Buckley’s distinction.
In short
- Buckley’s VC was the first announced in the London Gazette.
- George VI secretly bought the medal group for the nation.
- Buckley led dangerous raids during the Crimean War.
Explained simply
The Victoria Cross is Britain’s highest award for military bravery. It was created in 1856, during the Crimean War, a conflict in which Britain and its allies fought Russia.
Cecil William Buckley was a Royal Navy lieutenant who took part in raids on Russian-held towns in 1855. His award was the first Victoria Cross announced in the London Gazette, the official record of government notices.
Buckley’s medal group includes his Victoria Cross and other service medals. The story reports that King George VI bought the group in 1951 to keep it together for the nation, reflecting the importance attached to preserving military history.