Royal Tank Regiment WW2 Victoria Crosses on display at Bovington for first time

The only two Second World War Victoria Cross medals won by Royal Tank Regiment soldiers are now on display together for the first time.

The VCs can be seen at The Tank Museum, Bovington, to mark the anniversary of VE Day, the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Captain Philip "Pip" Gardner and Major General Henry Robert Bowreman "Bob" Foote were both awarded Victoria Crosses in the Western Desert to honour their acts of bravery in the face of an enemy.

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Pip Garner VC

Mr Gardner, who was serving in 4th Royal Tank Regiment, was the first RTR officer to receive the VC in the war.

The 26-year-old, who was then an acting captain, earned the medal on 23 November 1941 after risking his life under anti‑tank fire to rescue a severely wounded soldier during the Siege of Tobruk.

After being ordered to assist armoured cars from the King's Dragoon Guards, he attempted to tow a disabled vehicle.

Despite the tow rope snapping and sustaining wounds to his neck, leg and arm, Capt Gardner returned to help an injured lieutenant.

Part of his medal citation reads: "The courage, determination and complete disregard for his own safety displayed by Captain Gardner enabled him, despite his own wounds, and in the face of intense fire at close range, to save the life of his fellow officer, in circumstances fraught with great difficulty and danger."

Bob Foote VC

Maj Gen Foote was an acting Lieutenant-Colonel with 7th RTR at the Battle of Gazala in Libya in 1942 during which he earned his VC.

He was awarded a Victoria Cross after he led his battalion under heavy enemy artillery fire. After his tank was knocked out and he was wounded in the neck, he continued to command from an exposed position on another tank.

A few days later, Maj Gen Foote ordered to delay advancing enemy tanks to allow the Guards Brigade to withdraw. He reorganised the remaining vehicles, moving on foot between tanks under intense fire to encourage their crews.

Despite his own tank being badly damaged and its guns disabled, he positioned it at the front so he could be clearly seen, subsequently keeping the corridor open for the brigade to march through.

Part of his medal citation reads: "Lieutenant-Colonel Foote was always at the crucial point at the right moment, and over a period of several days gave an example of outstanding courage and leadership which it would have been difficult to surpass.

"His name was a by-word for bravery and leadership throughout the Brigade."

The two Victoria Crosses, as well as more stories of the people who served in the Second World War, can be found in The Tank Museum's WW2: War Stories exhibition.