MEMORIES of courage above and beyond the call of duty have been rekindled in the build up to a military milestone.

This year is the 150th anniversary of the presentation of the Green Howards' first two Victoria Crosses, the highest award for gallantry in action. The awards went to soldiers who served during the Crimean War.

Their medals, photographs and the stories of their actions are now on display in the regimental museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

Irishman Private John Lyons was awarded a VC for his actions during the siege of Sebastopol, in June 1855.

He saved the lives of many comrades by picking up a live shell that had landed in their trench and throwing it over the parapet.

Pt Lyons had a colourful military career, during which he was promoted and then demoted for drunkenness several times.

He was presented with the medal by the Queen herself, in the first ceremony for Victoria Cross heroes in Hyde Park, in 1857.

The photograph displayed in the regiment's museum is reputed to have been taken after Pte Lyon's death in 1863. It is said that his wife dressed him in his uniform and pinned his medals haphazardly on to his chest for a final photograph.

Scotsman Private Samuel Evans was awarded his VC after being prompted by his wife Margaret, who had read about the new medal - and the pension that went with it - and told him to put his name forward.

He was awarded the VC for his actions, also during the siege of Sebastopol.

He repaired a breach in a vital British gun position by bravely going outside, under Russian sniper fire, to complete the restoration of the earth bank that protected the gun.

Five months later, he was wounded and sent to Florence Nightingale's hospital in Scutari, before returning to England.

After leaving the Army, he became the lodge keeper at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, in Edinburgh. He died in 1901.

Museum curator David Tetlow said: "Privates Lyons and Evans have a special place in the history of the Green Howards, as the first two of our 18 Victoria Cross winners.

"We are proud to remember them on the 150th anniversary of the presentation of the VCs to these brave men."