THE Tank Museum at Bovington has brought together for the first time all four Victoria Crosses awarded to members of the Tank Corps (predecessor to the Royal Tank Regiment) in the First World War.

In a ceremony at the Museum, relatives of all four officers came together with the medals to open the display which is to honour both the gallantry of these men and to mark the beginning of the victories that were to bring the War to an end.

Prior to the opening of the exhibition, members of the current Royal Tank Regiment read the citations that explained the astonishing bravery displayed by the men that earned them the highest award for gallantry.

Opening the ceremony, Museum curator David Willey explained that the Victoria Cross could only be awarded for gallantry that was observed, so all four recipients were outside their tanks, guiding them and leading the infantry who accompanied the tanks.

“Clement Robertson was the first Tank Corps officer to be awarded a VC, and it was for his heroics at Passchendaele on October 4 1917” explained David.

“Prior to an advance he spent three days in no-man’s-land marking out the routes for his tanks to follow – all under heavy fire. On the day – even with the routes taped out – he thought the tanks might still lose their way and get bogged down.”

“So, he decided to lead them on foot, refusing to take cover from the shell and bullet fire. As the tanks continued forward Robertson was shot and killed, but his self-sacrifice led to a successful attack.”

All four were awarded the VC posthumously and their descendants were moved and described how proud they were.

Ian Robertson, the great nephew of Clement Robertson said: “I’m deeply proud and wear his replica medals. The bridge where he died is called Robertson’s Bridge and has been upgraded to memorial status.”

Peter Harbinson, whose great uncle was Richard Wain from Penarth in South Wales, said: “What he had done didn’t register with us when we were young, but of course we realised later.

“He could have saved himself but picked up a rifle to continue shooting at the enemy. He was taken to hospital where he died, but there is no known grave although there is a headstone.” Richard Wain was 20 when he died.

Chairman of the Museum Trustees, Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Rideway, a former Royal Tank Regiment officer (whose son is currently commanding The Royal Tank Regiment based in Tidworth) was very pleased about the coming together of the four VC’s.

“Today is a very special occasion” he said.

“To get the four Victoria Crosses together is quite a feat, it has not been easy to get them here and then to have the families here and then for recruits to come through here and be inspired by their deeds is very, very important.”

The Victoria Cross Exhibition: Men of Extraordinary Bravery runs until November 11.