23 September 2026
CWG Chats - One For Every Day: How I Started Collecting British Medals
CWG Chats - One For Every Day: How I Started Collecting British Medals at 12:00 (GMT) on Wednesday, September 23 2026.
One for every day, will explore Mark Smith's Medal Collection from the first medals to today's collection.
Mark began collecting British medals in 1969 and owns an extensive private collection that he has amassed over the years; he started dealing in Militaria in 1983 in Islington, London - a hobby which has become a lifelong passion. He is a well-known expert on the Victoria Cross. He has written 5 books on The Great War and contributed to many other books and magazines.
We hope you can join us for what promises to be a fascinating look at the collection of one of Britain's leading medal collectors and experts.
This talk is open to all members of the public. We please ask for a donation of your choice to cover our costs. Hit the button now to reserve your place.
Commonwealth War Graves Foundation Members: Please see your latest digital newsletter, or email supporters@cwgc.org to register!
Talk information
- Time & Date: 12:00 (GMT), Wednesday, September 23 2026.
Registrations will close at 12:30 (GMT), Tuesday, 22 September. - Where: Online via Zoom
- Duration: 45 minutes with 15-minute Q&A
- Cost: We please ask for a donation of your choice to go towards our costs. Any proceeds will go directly to the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation
A Zoom link will be sent the week commencing 21 September 2026. Please check your email inboxes, including junk and spam, for the invitation.
Guest speaker - Mark Smith
Mark will be recognised by many of you as the Medals and Militaria expert on the Long- running BBC television programme, The Antiques Roadshow. Mark started on the Roadshow in 2014. He has appeared on many Television Programmes, such as Deep Wreck Mysteries, Who Do You Think You Are, Bargain Hunt, Murder Mystery, My Family, The One Show, and Breakfast Television, to name but a few.
He is also known for his work on Radio, particularly the British Forces Broadcasting Service and podcasts for ABF The Soldiers Charity and also working with the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation.
He is a Member of the Western Front Association and the Orders and Medals Research Society, and for 40 years, a well-known Battlefield Tour Guide.
His autobiography, "Medal Man", was published by Penguin Books Random House, January 2026
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