Search for missing Victoria Cross needed to complete set of six

The exhibition at the Fusiliers Museum, which is due to open in April, 2015, will mark 100 years since a group of men from Bury-based Lancashire Fusiliers famously won ‘six VCs before breakfast’ at the landings in Gallipoli, Turkey.

It will be the first time in 100 years that all six of the VCs have been on display in one place, should the missing medal be recovered.

The medal belonged to Major Cuthbert Bromley, who was a temporary major in the 1st Battalion, The Lancashire Fusiliers, during the First World War.

He was awarded the VC for his actions on April 25, 1915, during the landings at W Beach, Gallipoli.

The museum currently has two VCs in its collection and will be loaned three from Lord Ashcroft’s collection of VCs, which is the largest of its kind in the world.

Sarah Stevenson, collections officer at the museum in Moss Street, said: “Major Bromley’s family was from Seaford in East Sussex, son of Sir John Bromley CB and Lady Bromley of Sutton Corner, Seaford.

“The last record we have of the medal was when it was put up for auction in the late 80s but nothing has been recorded since then.

“Someone must still be in procession of the missing medal so our mission is to find it so it can take its place alongside the other VCs in the exhibition.”

Colonel Brian Gorski, chairman of The Fusilier Museum, said: “We are thrilled to be able to develop this exciting exhibition to commemorate Gallipoli.

“The last piece of the puzzle is to find Bromley’s VC so we can re-unite them again and tell their story to this generation.”

The five other men to be awarded a VC medal for their gallantry and bravery were: Corporal John Grimshaw, Lance Corporal William Keneally, Sergeant Alfred Richards, Sergeant Frank Stubbs and Captain Richard Willis.

Anyone with any information about the missing VC should contact Sarah Stevenson on 0161 763 8962 or e-mail sarah.stevenson@fusilier museum.com