Oz museum to house war hero's medals

Seven medals awarded to a Black Country war hero are to go on display in Australia, it has been revealed.

Lieutenant Herbert James, a former Smethwick schoolboy and teacher, was awarded the Victoria Cross in the First World War at Gallipoli. He was also awarded the Military Cross for his bravery in conflict. Lt James died in London in August 1958.

His medals went up for sale in July at the Dix, Noonan and Webb auction house in London, with the collection selling for a total of £211,725.

It is the second highest price achieved at auction for a collection including a Victoria Cross.

And it was today announced the precious collection is to go on display at the Maryborough Military and Colonial Museum on the Fraser Coast, in Australia.

Spokesman for the auctioneers Chris Hill said: "I am really pleased to see them go to a good home."

Lt James was a teacher at Brasshouse Lane School in Smethwick.

He joined the army in 1909 with the 21st Lancers. At the outbreak of the First World War was promoted and commissioned into the Fourth Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment.

His outstanding acts of bravery at Gallipoli in 1915, which included leading two successful counter attacks, after the failure of a major assault, led to him being awarded the Victoria Cross.

Lt James was wounded again on the Somme and, returning to France, in May 1917, he added to his accolades by winning a Military Cross near Amiens.

He continued with his army service after the end of the war until failing health caused him to be placed on the retired list in 1930.

Lt James's former school, Bearwood Primary, where he was a pupil and a teacher has announced plans to pay tribute to him with a blue plaque and re-naming a community room in his honour.