For Valour: The Story of the Bronze Cross

The presentation will be live and online.

Mark Smith will explore the instigation of the Victoria Cross, expel some of the myths, and tell some of the stories of those men who have been awarded this country's highest award for bravery.

Mark will be recognised by many of you as the Medals and Militaria expert on the long-running BBC television programme, 'The Antiques Roadshow', Mark started on the Roadshow in 2014. He has appeared on many Television Programmes, including 'Deep Wreck Mysteries', 'Who Do You Think You Are', 'Bargain Hunt', 'Murder Mystery My Family', the 'One Show', and Breakfast Television, to name a few.

He is also known for his work on Radio, particularly the British Forces Broadcasting Service and podcasts for ABF The Soldiers Charity and also working with the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation.

Mark began collecting British medals in 1969 and owns an extensive private collection that he has amassed over the years; he started dealing in Militaria in 1983 in Islington, London - a hobby which has become a life-long passion. He is a well-known expert on the Victoria Cross. He has written five books on The Great War and contributed to many other books and magazines.

He is a member of The Western Front Association and the Orders and Medals Research Society, and for 40 years a well-known Battlefield Tour Guide. He is a Freeman of the City of London.

Mark's autobiography, "Medal Man", published by Penguin Books Random House, is available now.

Members wishing to participate will need to register: details of how to register will be circulated via The Western Front Association's newsletter 'Trench Lines'. If you are not a subscriber to Trench Lines please subscribe now via the box at the bottom of this page.

It is also possible to register by clicking this link: For Valour: The Story of the Bronze Cross

The talk will be undertaken using the 'Zoom' software which is freely available. It may not be necessary to load the software to your PC / iPad etc: but we would recommend doing so if you wish to participate in this event.