Author(s): Roderick Bailey

Military History

The Victoria Cross is one of the world's most famous medals. It was introduced by Queen Victoria in 1856 for 'most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy', and has been awarded only 1,358 times. Exploring the actions and events that lead to the VC being awarded, "Forgotten Voices of the Victoria Cross" is full of heroic tales, drama and action from the last century. Some testimonies come from soldiers, sailors and airmen who were awarded the VC; others come from those who witnessed extraordinary acts for which the medal was won. Collected from the Imperial War Museum's Sound Archives, most of the first-hand accounts in this book are published for the very first time. "Forgotten Voices of the Victoria Cross" explores the very nature of bravery by those whose job it was to be brave. It is a landmark addition to the "Forgotten Voices" series.