Antiques Roadshow guests were left stunned after learning that a family heirloom, a Victoria Cross awarded to their grandfather, was valued at between £250,000 and £300,000. The episode, filmed at Portchester Castle, featured expert Mark Smith examining the medals of Sergeant James Ockendon.
Smith described the moment as a 'show first', noting that in all his years on the programme, they had never before seen a Victoria Cross. The medal, the highest award for gallantry in the UK, was awarded to Sergeant Ockendon for his actions during the Battle of Passchendaele in 1917.
The citation read that Ockendon, with disregard for his own safety, rushed an enemy machine gun, killed two gunners, and forced 16 others to surrender. He also displayed great gallantry throughout the day. The couple, who wished to remain anonymous, were shocked by the valuation, with the wife exclaiming 'Golly'.
The husband confirmed the medals would be returned to a bank safety deposit box. Smith concluded that the soldier 'deserved that' valuation. The episode aired on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.
