Supreme Courage: Heroic Stories from 150 Years of the Victoria Cross - Softcover

De La Billiere, Peter

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0349118981 ISBN 13: 9780349118987

Publisher: Abacus Non-Fiction, 2005

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

About this title

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 Billière

About this edition

• Publisher: Abacus Non-Fiction
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 0349118981
• ISBN 13: 9780349118987
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 418