The Complete Victoria Cross: A Full Chronological Record of All Holders of Britain’s Highest Award for Gallantry

by Kevin Brazier

This fully revised paperback edition of the complete chronological record of VC holders is an essential work of reference for every student of military history. All the British and Commonwealth servicemen who have been awarded the highest honor for exceptional acts of bravery and self-sacrifice are commemorated here. The first VCs awarded for the Crimean War and in the nineteenth-century colonial wars are described, as are the VCs awarded in the world wars of the twentieth century and the most recent VCs awarded during present-day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. The extraordinary exploits recounted in this fascinating book make unforgettable reading.

‘A fascinating new book, by historian Kevin Brazier, lays out the best evidence to date. The Complete Victoria Cross lists for the first time in chronological order every VC, with an account of the action(s) for which it was won, the location of every medal where known, and likewise the last resting place of the VC holder.’ ...The Times

‘A wealth of information, all of which makes this a valuable reference source. Everyone, whether they have an interest or not in military history, would find this book thoroughly absorbing.’... Britain at War

‘The chronological arrangement of this book is very effective, weaving together the individual VC stories to produce a picture of the changing nature of warfare since 1956 and the unchanging nature of bravery.’ ... History of War

‘This book is a must for anyone interested in the Victoria Cross, whether they have a recent interest in the VC or have been interested in the long term.’... Victoria Cross Forum

416 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2010

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Victoria Cross is the highest military accolade for Britain and those in the Commonwealth countries and awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces. The VC is usually invested upon the recipient or their next of kin by the British Monarch at Buckingham Palace. The Victoria Cross was instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856 during the Crimea War and since then has only been awarded 1,358 times to 1,355 individual recipients. Since World War Two the medal has been awarded only 15 times, eleven of those to British soldiers and the remaining to Australian Soldiers.

Unlike the United States who hand medals of valour out at the drop of a hat, this is far more respected than any of their medals as it is very rarely awarded. Some of the holders of the medal are famous, others not so well know, and who can forget the Welch Fusiliers in the film Zulu who won their awards before breakfast! Even if the film took liberties with the soldiers the awards were real and are recorded in this book.

The Complete Victoria Cross records every recipient of the Victoria Cross in chronological order along with the reason to why they were awarded and gazetted for the medal. It also records when they died if they were not killed in action. For example the book mentions Captain Thomas Esmonde VC and that he won his award at Sebastopol between 18th- 20th June 1855 but also that his great-nephew Lieutenant Commander Eugine Esmonde was also a VC in his own right.

The books as well as recording who won the Victoria Cross and why, there is also a section on where that medal now is. Such as Corporal Joseph Davies VC and Private Albert Hill VC who both earnt their award on the 20th July 1916 and that both their VC are now at the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, Caernarfon Castle, in North Wales, a place with special memories for me.

This book is an essential reference book for libraries and especially for those who enjoy military history. It is also a wonderful way to remember each and every recipient of the medal. We should never forget those who fought to protect us and were not afraid to pay the ultimate price for that.