The cross, which the Australian War Memorial is confident is an original, was forged from nails taken from the Coventry cathedral after it's destruction in 1940. It's believed to have found it's way to St Paul's through the work of Reverend James Hardingham, who served as army chaplain at a Hay internment camp.

Emily Gibbs, Assistant Curator of Military Heraldry and Technology, says that a relic like this is invaluable to Australia's understanding of war and it's lasting effects.

"We have records and pictures, but this is a physical and tangible piece of the destruction in England. It's a small but really significant piece."

Ms Gibbs mentioned how fortunate the memorial had been to come across it, and the exceptional circumstances surrounding it.

"It's nice to have that story known, it could easily have been missed. It's not my practice to solicit relics from churches, this is exceptional."

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Wing Commander Michael Garside was also present at the ceremony, finding it touching.

"I thought it was a very nice service, it was both interesting and emotional. The War Memorial are thrilled to be the custodians of the piece."

The Right Reverend Donald Kirk, Bishop of Riverina was at the helm of the gifting ceremony and spoke about the benefits the gift could bring to Australia as a whole.

"It's one of the fables stories of our history, the destruction of Coventry was such a milestone because it destroyed not just a city, but also a holy place that had always meant peace."

Reverend Kirk affirmed that the artifact would be going on to inform and enlighten the nation, and assist in our understanding of conflict as a whole.

"We're very pleased to gift it, because it will have a life and meaningfulness not just to a small community but to the entire nation."

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