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

De La Billiere KCB KBE DSO MC DL, General Sir Peter

4.02

65 ratings by Goodreads

9780316725910: Supreme Courage: Heroic stories from 150 Years of the Victoria Cross

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0316725919 ISBN 13: 9780316725910

Publisher: Little, Brown, 2004

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

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Review:

It is all the more poignant that these stories are retold here by a man of de la Billiere's stature (DAILY EXPRESS)

Admirable ... will sustain the morale of several nations (SPECTATOR)

SUPREME COURAGE makes a fascinating read for anyone with even the slightest interest in military history. (IRELAND EVENING HERALD)

This is a book that demonstrates in clear, soldierly language, just why, despite out age of rampant iconoclasm, the British armed forces still retain the nation's affection and respect. (MAIL ON SUNDAY)

From the Author:

Nowhere is courage better demonstrated than in war. I have tried to portray the background and character of a few of the most outstanding war heroes - winners of the Victoria Cross. For the most part, they are ordinary people who excelled when the occasion demanded: they come from every walk of life and from many of those countries and allies who have supported our nation in the wars of the past 150 years.

This book tells the life story of a selected few holders of the Victoria Cross: every young person will enjoy reading of them and it will be of particular interest to ex-service people, their families and their friends.

Peter de la Billi�re

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