Chavasse medals go on show in Liverpool to mark centenary of VC's death

The VC and bar received by Captain Noel Chavasse in the First World War have gone on show at the Museum of Liverpool ahead of the centenary of his death.

The army medic’s Military Cross are also being displayed after the medals were loaned to the waterfront museum by Lord Ashcroft KCMG PC. It’s the first time this important medal group has gone on public display in Liverpool.

Noel Chavasse, whose father was the Bishop of Liverpool, was the only serviceman to be awarded the Victoria Cross twice during the 1914-18 conflict.

He was fatally wounded while tending to the injured at Passchendaele, and died on August 4, 1917 aged 32.

Chavasse, who was a Captain in the Royal Army Medical Corps attached to the Liverpool Scottish – the 10th King’s (Liverpool), was one of a number of family members to serve.

His twin brother Christopher, an army chaplain, was awarded the MC and Croix de Guerre. Another brother, Aidan, was killed in 1917, while Dr Bernard Chavasse received the MC. And a sister, Mary, was Mentioned in Despatches for her work as a nurse.

Janet Dugdale, Director of the Museum of Liverpool, says: “The name ‘Chavasse’ is forever associated with heroism and courage thanks to the actions of Noel, and other members of the family, during the First World War.

Captain Noel Chavasse (Credit: IWM)

“This group of medals tells a powerful story of the extremes of human sacrifice.”

And Lord Ashcroft added: “I’m absolutely delighted that the medal group of Captain Noel Chavasse VC & Bar, MC is going to be on display at the Museum of Liverpool, in the city where both he and his family had such significant links.

“It’s entirely appropriate that the centenary of Captain Chavasse's death should be marked in this way.

"I feel privileged and humbled to be the custodian of this courageous man's gallantry and service medals.”

The medals will be on display at the Museum of Liverpool from July 31 until January 5.