The Victoria Cross in 100 Objects (Hardback)
The Story of Britain’s Highest Award For Valour
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Series: In 100 Objects
Pages: 216
Illustrations: 100 colour illustrations
ISBN: 9781526730763
Published: 22nd October 2021
As featured in...
As featured in The Bookseller, December 2018.
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It was the events of the Crimean War that changed everything. Until that time, those serving in Britain’s army or navy had been expected to do their duty without thought of recognition or reward, particularly the men in the lower ranks.
Fuelled by reports from the first ever war correspondents, which were read by an increasingly literate public, the mumblings of discontent over how the gallantry and valour of the ordinary man was recognised rapidly grew into a national outcry. Questions were asked in Parliament, answers were demanded by the press – why were the heroes of the Alma, Inkerman and the Charge of the Light Brigade not being officially acknowledged? Something had to be done.
That something was the introduction of an award that would be of such prestige it would be sought by all men from the most junior private to a Field Marshal. It would be the highest possible award for valour in the face of the enemy and it bore the name of the Queen for whom the men fought – The Victoria Cross.
Since the VC was instituted in January 1856, it has been awarded 1,358 times to 1,355 individual recipients. Those men were thrown into wars and campaigns around the globe, from the seas and skies around the UK to the deserts of Africa and the sweltering jungles of the Far East. The two world wars saw the most VCs awarded – 628 in the First and 182 in the Second. Only fifteen medals, eleven to members of the British Army, and four to the Australian Army, have been awarded since the Second World War.
In this highly-illustrated work, the renowned Victoria Cross historian and author Brian Best examines the introduction and evolution of the VC, along with some of the fascinating individuals and remarkable acts of valour associated with it, through an intriguing collection of 100 objects.
Well done, Brian Best, on putting together a wholly compelling and digestible work on the Victoria Cross, and well done Pen & Sword for another class publication that has been well illustrated and nicely published.
Amazon Customer
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I enjoyed this book very much and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in gallantry, and in the various people who have been rewarded for it.
ARRSE (Army Rumour Service)
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I found the book hard to put down as it held my interest throughout.
Ronnie Taylor
Not only telling the story of the founding of the Victoria Cross but the history behind it in British campaigns since the Crimean War.
Highly recommend the book by Brian Best.
Ron Taylor - FEPOW Family
About Brian Best
BRIAN BEST has an honours degree in South African History and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. He was the founder of the Victoria Cross Society and edited its Journal for many years. Brian also lectures about the Victoria Cross and War Art. He is married and lives in Rutland.
Victoria Cross established to acknowledge valour in the face of the enemy (United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries)
29th January 1856
Victoria Cross established to acknowledge valour in the face of the enemy (United Kingdom and Commonwealth countries)