VICTORIA CROSS ON DISPLAY AT THE SASKATCHEWAN ARCHIVES

The Victoria Cross is part of a special Saskatchewan Archives Remembrance Day display dedicated to those who responded to our country's need at a time of war.

The display features a tribute to Lieutenant Robert Grierson Combe who was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously in 1917. The showpiece of the display is the original Victoria Cross that was donated to the Archives in 1963 by Lieutenant Combe's widow, Mrs. Jean Combe.

"We owe our country and our way of life to the many valiant heroes like Lieutenant Combe who fought so we might live," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "This is a time to reflect with gratitude and pay tribute to those who fought so bravely for us all."

As many as 15 men who were awarded the Victoria Cross have ties to Saskatchewan. However, Lieutenant Combe was only one of four Saskatchewan residents to win the medal during World Wars I and II. He died in battle on May 3rd, 1917 in Acheville, France.

Lieutenant Combe's award is the only publicly held Victoria Cross in the province. This is a rare opportunity for Saskatchewan residents to view an original Victoria Cross. Ottawa and Calgary are the only other two locations in Canada where the award is on public display.

The Victoria Cross Display will be open to the public at Saskatchewan Archives, until December 3rd, 2004, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. (Closed weekends and holidays). Saskatchewan Archives is located at 3303 Hillsdale Street in Regina. Admission is free.

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For More Information, Contact:

Chris Gebhard Saskatchewan Archives Regina Phone: (306)787-4068