The Royal Air Force Museum is on a mission to preserve Squadron Leader Arthur Scarf’s Victoria Cross medal, the only one awarded to the RAF for service in the Far East during World War II. This rare and significant medal symbolizes exceptional personal courage and forms a vital part of the nation’s heritage. The museum aims to secure £660,000 to prevent the medal from being acquired by an overseas buyer.
If successful in raising the necessary funds, the VC will be safeguarded in the museum’s collection, ensuring it remains accessible to the public in London for generations to come. The urgency of this campaign stems from the impending risk of the medal leaving the UK, underscoring the importance of public support in retaining this piece of history on British soil.
The museum intends to raise a substantial portion of the required finances through public donations, supplemented by contributions from its own funds and a potential grant from the National Heritage Memorial Fund. Those interested in supporting this cause can donate to the #SaveTheScarfVC campaign via the museum’s dedicated GoFundMe page.
Dr. Harry Raffal, RAF Museum Historian and Head of Collections, emphasizes the profound significance of Squadron Leader Scarf’s Victoria Cross. The medal not only honors Scarf’s exceptional bravery and dedication but also serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by British and Commonwealth service personnel in the Far East during that era. Dr. Raffal highlights the medal’s role in commemorating a crucial chapter in British history and the invaluable stories it encapsulates.
The Victoria Cross holds a revered status as the highest decoration for valor in the British armed forces, awarded for extraordinary acts of bravery in combat. With only 22 Victoria Crosses bestowed upon RAF personnel during World War II, Scarf’s medal stands out as a unique testament to his heroism in the face of overwhelming odds.
Squadron Leader Scarf’s courageous actions during a mission in Burma, now Thailand, exemplify his unwavering determination and selflessness. Despite sustaining mortal wounds, Scarf piloted his aircraft to safety, ensuring the survival of his crew before succumbing to his injuries. His posthumous receipt of the Victoria Cross in 1946, presented to his widow by King George VI, immortalizes his selfless sacrifice and unwavering commitment to duty.
Arthur Scarf’s legacy serves as an enduring source of inspiration for future generations, underscoring the importance of preserving his Victoria Cross within the RAF Museum’s collection. By contributing to the fundraising effort, individuals can play a pivotal role in safeguarding this historic artifact and honoring Scarf’s memory for years to come.
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