Six Victoria Crosses are thought to be among the treasures lost in a fire at Clandon Park House, UK, this week, reports the Daily Mail.
Scores of rare pieces of militaria are believed destroyed after the blaze at the National Trust property in Surrey on Monday.
 Clandon Park House is home to the Surrey Infantry Museum |
Also missing is one of two surviving footballs given to British troops at the Battle of the Somme. The balls were intended to distract soldiers from the bullets as they ran towards the enemy.
The house is home to the Surrey Infantry Museum, which also features uniforms, artworks and memorabilia.
Simon Moore, assistant chief of operations at Surrey Fire and Rescue Service, told the Telegraph newspaper: "A number of our firefighters are ex-military personnel and as a result understand the significance of military colours, so some of those were salvaged. I'm afraid the football has gone.
"It is possible that some of the medals may have been protected by the cases they were in, but we are unable to check that until the building is made safe."
Just 1,358 Victoria Crosses have been awarded since the medal's inception in 1856.
There are no reports of any injuries from the blaze at the 18th century mansion, which is now little more than a shell.
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