Violette Szabo

Discussion in 'The Women of WW2' started by Hilts, Jul 8, 2010.

  1. Harry Ree

    Harry Ree Very Senior Member

    I must say I was surprised that the George Medal etc has been put up for sale.I thought that they would remain in the family.

    Visited Salon la Tour before the A20 was created and the village was bypassed by what is now a minor road.Followed Violet's progress from her landing by parachute at Les Clos and on to her first night at Sussac.Then down to Salon la Tour for a good look round.A good resume of the engagement there and a walk throught the area gives a good idea of what took place here during the march of the Das Reich northwards.

    A very pleasant country area to holiday in.
     
  2. DavidW

    DavidW Well-Known Member

    My knowledge is I am ashamed to say this thread, and the film "Carve her name with pride". What do the "experts" make of the film?
     
  3. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Hi All,

    As the medal catalogue will only be available for a short while on the link I posted, up until the day of the sale; I will download the pdf and hold it in my files for future reference if needed.
     
  4. ritsonvaljos

    ritsonvaljos Senior Member

    From what I read in the newspaper after Violette's daughter passes on there are no further direct descendants to pass the medals on to:

    "Her George Cross, with her French Croix de Guerre, British campaign medals, photos and documents are being sold later this month in London on behalf of her daughter Tania Szabo.
    Tania, 73, who lives in Wales, described her decision to sell as difficult and with regret but she had to secure her financial future.
    She added: "I've no ­children and the custodianship of her medals needs to be addressed."
    The medals are being sold by Dix Noonan Webb in London."
    ..............................
    Source: http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/588431/Medal-Second-World-War-Violette-Szabo

    What monetary value can be placed on a collection of wartime medals? If one has to be made, this set is estimated at up to £300,000, which I reckon would be similar in value to a Victoria Cross.
     
  5. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    I've always thought a VC is what she should have been awarded in the first instance.
     
  6. DavidW

    DavidW Well-Known Member

    I think you have to be a member of the armed forces to be awarded a Victoria Cross.
     
  7. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Hi David,

    I think what I was really saying, is that her bravery and service put her into that bracket in terms of recognition. :)
     
  8. DavidW

    DavidW Well-Known Member

    I agree with you there!
     
  9. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Rumour has it that Lord Ashcroft is interested in these medals. It would be fitting for them to join his VC collection.
     
  10. RCG

    RCG Senior Member, Deceased

    My thoughts when I read this.

    "I do so with some regret but it is a decision derived from much careful thought and I have every confidence that the successful purchaser will cherish - and take great care of - them."
     
  11. RCG

    RCG Senior Member, Deceased

    Not quite right DavidW
    Eligibility.
    Persons of any rank in the Naval, Military and Air Forces of the United Kingdom, its colonies or territories, and Commonwealth countries that award UK honours; members of the Merchant Navy; and civilians serving under the orders, directions or supervision of any of the above-mentioned forces or services.
     
  12. Smudger Jnr

    Smudger Jnr Our Man in Berlin

    She wore a British Uniform when in the UK as far as I am aware

    That is good enough for me and yes I to think she should have been awarded the VC.

    Regards
    Tom
     
  13. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

  14. Harry Ree

    Harry Ree Very Senior Member

    At the time of her death,Violette Szabo was a member of the FANY organisation (with the rank of Ensign,equivalent to 2nd Lieutenant) attached to the SOE.

    She was one of a small number of FANYs who undertook intelligence and field duties on the behalf of the SOE in enemy territory...others through service with the Womans Transport Service also were within the FANY organisation.

    Having said that the award of the George Cross to Violette Szabo and other FANYs receiving the award was made as the highest award possible for a civilian and covered "acts of the greatest heroism of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger". (note no reference to "in the face of the enemy")

    VC eligibility....members of the armed forces of Britain,Empire and Dominions.....now Britain and the Commonwealth.Civilians did not qualify for the award of the VC.Merchant Navy service was outside the scope of the award of the VC ...regarded as civilians.

    The George Cross was also awarded to military personnel whose actions would not normally be eligible to receive military awards such as gallantry not in the face of the enemy.
     
  15. Ron Goldstein

    Ron Goldstein WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

  16. Lotus7

    Lotus7 Well-Known Member

    Gibbo likes this.
  17. Harry Ree

    Harry Ree Very Senior Member

    News breaking......reports indicate that Violette's medals are assured of safe custody for the nation, having being bought by the IWM for £260.000
     
  18. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Looks like Lord Ashcroft has had a rather large hand in preceedings. Great result all round.
     
  19. Staffsyeoman

    Staffsyeoman Member

    £260,000 hammer + 20% premium = £312,000 + 20% VAT on the premium = £10,400 : £322,400.
     
  20. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Costly business. :)
     

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