Antiques Roadshow expert Mark Smith was left gobsmacked over a "show first" on a past episode of the BBC One show, which was filmed at Portchester Castle. A couple sought to discover the history and worth of a treasured family heirloom.
Expert's Excitement Over a Unique Medal
Mark Smith couldn't contain his excitement and astonishment as he declared: "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 guest revealed: "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." This prompted the guest's wife to remember: "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."
The Heroic Deed of Sergeant Ockendon
Expert Mark highlighted that he fought in the Battle of Passchendaele before reading aloud the citation documenting the brave deeds of Sergeant Ockendon, which resulted in him receiving the Victoria Cross. It read: "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. 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."
"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."
A Staggering Valuation
Mark responded with admiration at the achievement: "Wow. For that, he is awarded the Victoria Cross. It's a very humble medal." The specialist went on to describe how Queen Victoria wished the medal to be crafted from modest materials such as bronze, as "it's not about the medal, it's about the deed behind the medal."
Disclosing the worth of the treasured pieces, Mark said: "As we said, Queen Victoria, she didn't want it to be worth money. They do have a value. Do you have any idea what they might be worth?" To which the guest replied: "Not really. It's something that will never leave the family..." and it was at this point Mark declared: "£250,000 to £300,000."
The pair were left utterly lost for words, letting out a sharp gasp before dissolving into laughter at the staggering valuation. The gobsmacked guest exclaimed: "I didn't think it would be that much! I need a stiff cup of coffee!" while his wife quipped: "I'm a bit like my husband... shocked. I didn't expect that at all."
When discussing the medals' future, the guest revealed: "We'll be returning the medals to the bank and keeping them in a safety deposit box there" — to which specialist Mark responded: "I think that's probably wise. That day, he deserved that."
Antiques Roadshow is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
