Brown calls for VC coin redesign

Private Beharry was awarded the VC after saving colleagues in Iraq

Gordon Brown has urged the Royal Mint to redesign a coin commemorating the Victoria Cross because it appears to show a soldier being shot in the back.

The 50p piece, marking 150 years of the prestigious medal, shows a soldier carrying a wounded colleague, apparently in the sights of enemy fire.

In a letter to the Royal Mint, the chancellor's aides say the image will "not seem appropriate" to many people.

About 30m coins are expected to be issued next year.

Courage

In the letter, published in The Sun, Mr Brown's aides say: "Before he (Mr Brown) writes to HM The Queen to request approval he would like further thought to be given to the design.

"He appreciates the designer's attempt to portray the courage and selflessness of the British soldier carrying a wounded comrade while under fire.

"But he feels that the particular image of a British soldier apparently about to be shot in the back will not seem appropriate to many people."

A Treasury spokeswoman said: "We are in ongoing discussions with the Royal Mint over the design of the commemorative coin and we expect an announcement in due course."

Highest award

The coin was the work of sculptor Clive Dunn, who also designed a £5 coin marking the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

The Victoria Cross is the highest award in the British and Commonwealth military.

Private Johnson Beharry, 25, became the first living recipient of the VC since 1969.

He received the award in April after he twice saved the lives of colleagues under enemy fire in Iraq.