On 26 June 1920, King George V gave an afternoon party at Buckingham Palace for recipients of the Victoria Cross – the highest medal for bravery – and their families. Private William Short, from Eston, was awarded a Victoria Cross posthumously (after his death) for bravery in battle at the Somme in France during World War I. This invitation was sent to his father, James.
Invitation to Victoria Cross Reception at Buckingham Palace, 1920
At a time when travelling much beyond their home town was out of reach for most ordinary people, a trip to Buckingham Palace would have been a tremendous occasion and represented a great honour. This invitation shows the high regard that servicemen like William Short were held in by the Royal family and, therefore, the rest of the country.
Image courtesy of Redcar and Cleveland Council Cultural Service
