Symbol of Courage - A Complete History of the Victoria Cross (Hardcover)

The Victoria Cross can only be awarded for "most conpicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy". It has been awarded only 1354 times since the Crimean War to 2003, the majority going to British and Commonwealth troops.;This book bring the story of the medal to life, giving a narrative history from the Crimean War to the war in Afghanistan. It includes many first-hand accounts of individual acts of bravery and describes what happened to the VC holders, some of whom found "it was harder wearing the medal than winning it". It also gives a complete listing of every VC holder with details of the action in which they won the medal. Written by military historian Max Arthur, this is a comprehensive study that should appeal to everyone who is interested in military history.