BBC Antiques Roadshow made television history during Sunday's episode when expert Mark Smith encountered the programme's first-ever Victoria Cross. The treasured military honour, brought in by a couple seeking its history and value, left the seasoned specialist visibly astounded.
Mark Smith declared the significance of the moment with unmistakable excitement. He said: "This is a unique moment on the Antiques Roadshow. In all the years I've been on the Roadshow, we have never had a Victoria Cross. The highest award for gallantry this country has. Who was this man?"
The Victoria Cross belonged to Sergeant James Ockendon, the guest's wife's grandfather. The guest explained: "This was my wife's grandfather. Unfortunately, I wasn't privileged enough to meet him but my wife knew him when she was a young child."
Personal family connection
The guest's wife shared her childhood memories of the war hero. She said: "I have very vague memories, because I actually was only coming up to my fifth birthday when he passed away. I'm very proud of him, obviously, with what he achieved."
Sergeant Ockendon earned his Victoria Cross for extraordinary bravery during the Battle of Passchendaele. Mark Smith highlighted the historic significance before reading the full military citation aloud.
Heroic battlefield actions
The official citation detailed Sergeant Ockendon's remarkable courage on 4 October 1917, east of Langemark. It stated: "In the attack on the morning of October 4, 1917, east of Langemark, Sergeant James Ockendon was acting company sergeant major. Noticing the right platoon held up by an enemy machine gun which was causing many casualties, he, with absolute disregard for his personal safety, immediately rushed the gun, killed two of the gunners and followed and killed the third, who was making his escape across no man's land."
His heroics continued as he led an assault on an enemy trench. The citation continued: "He then led a party to an attack on a trench. This party was heavily fired on as it advanced. Sergeant Ockendon dashed ahead and called upon the garrison to surrender."
The citation concluded with his final act of bravery. It stated: "They, however, continued to fire, and with great boldness, Sergeant Ockendon then opened fire himself. Having killed four of the enemy, he forced the remaining 16 to surrender. During the remainder of the day, Sergeant Ockendon displayed the greatest gallantry."
Mark Smith praised the accomplishment, saying: "Wow. For that, he is awarded the Victoria Cross. It's a very humble medal." The expert explained Queen Victoria's philosophy behind the medal's design, noting she deliberately chose humble bronze material because "it's not about the medal, it's about the deed behind the medal."
Shocking valuation moment
When Mark Smith revealed the Victoria Cross's estimated value, the couple were left utterly speechless. He announced: "£250,000 to £300,000."
The shocked guest exclaimed: "I didn't think it would be that much! I need a stiff cup of coffee!" His wife added: "I'm a bit like my husband... shocked. I didn't expect that at all."
The couple confirmed they would return the medals to their bank's safety deposit box following the revelation. The episode, filmed at Portchester Castle, was a repeat broadcast now available on BBC iPlayer.
Sources used: "Mirror", "Liverpool Echo" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
