A new permanent exhibition at the Imperial War Museum in London celebrates those who have won Britain's highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy, the Victoria Cross.
Housed in the new Lord Ashcroft Gallery, it was paid for by its namesake, the former Conservative Party deputy-chairman. His collection of 164 VCs - the worlds largest - sits alongside the museum's own 48.
The gallery features war photographer Don McCullin's portrait of Lance Corporal Johnson Beharry, who was awarded a VC for extraordinary bravery during the Iraq war.
In 2004 Beharry twice rescued members of his unit from ambushes - during the second rescue, shrapnel pierced his helmet after a rocket-propelled grenade exploded just metres from him.
The exhibition also celebrates those who have won the George Cross - the highest award for valour not in the face of enemy fire. Matthew Croucher was honoured for throwing himself on a grenade to save fellow soldiers.
And a shark swims over the exhibition to illustrate the GC awarded to Cadet David Hay after he rescued shipwrecked survivors from shark-infested waters in 1941.
Other exhibits include the diving suit worn by Acting Leading Seaman James Magennis, awarded the VC after a mission to attach limpet mines to an enemy vessel. It was the first VC acquired by Lord Ashcroft.
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