Supreme Courage: Heroic stories from 150 Years of the Victoria Cross

(Paperback)

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Description

Since 1854 the Victoria Cross has been the highest award for gallantry in the British Armed Forces. It bears the simple legend 'For Valour', but behind it are thrilling and ultimately humbling tales of unimaginable bravery. SUPREME COURAGE tells the tales of some of those who have won the medal, bringing this badge of honour alive with breath-taking accounts of courage in action. Visiting battle-scenes across the globe, peppering his accounts with letters and first-hand accounts, Sir Peter de la Billi re uncovers not just heroism but the hearts and minds of men. With his accounts of Australians, Canadians, New Zealanders, Indians and the Gurkhas, Sir Peter de la Billi re does more than accompany the man into battle. He reveals their backgrounds, the climate of their times, what it was that drove them on, and the price of fame - the burden of expectation in civilian life that accompanied more than one recipient to a pauper's grave.

Extraordinary and intensely moving, SUPREME COURAGE is a thrilling addition to the literature of war, and a unique and magnificent monument to heroism.

Reviews

'Sir Peter is eminently qualified on the subject of the battlefield heroism' Sunday Times 'Admirable ... will sustain the morale of several nations' Spectator 'This is a book for the bedside, the travelling case, the gift list and the bookshelf' Frederick Forsyth, Mail on Sunday

Author Bio

Sir Peter was born in 1934. He lost his father in WW2 and joined the army as a private in 1952, becoming an officer in 1955. In 1956 he joined the SAS. He was made Commander of the British Forces during the first Gulf War and knighted in 1992.