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

de la Billiere KCB KBE DSO MC DL, General Sir Peter

ISBN 10: 0316725919 / ISBN 13: 9780316725910

Published by Little, Brown, 2004

About this Item

Good condition. Light wear to boards. Content is clean and bright. DJ with some edge wear and creasing.

Seller Inventory # 9999-99990771356

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Supreme Courage: Heroic stories from 150 Years of the Victoria Cross
• Publisher: Little, Brown
• Publication Date: 2004
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0316725919
• ISBN 13: 9780316725910
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: Good

About this title

Synopsis

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

About the Author

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.