Forgotten Voices of the Victoria Cross

by Roderick Baileym, The Imperial War Museum

'It wasn't until after he was safely back in the aircraft again that I heard that he'd actually been out on the wing to try to put the fire out ... Remember that we were flying at about 90 miles an hour at a height of 13,000 feet'Squadron Leader RP Widdowson on Sergeant James Ward, who earned his VC in 1941 The Victoria Cross, awarded to the most courageous and determined servicemen, is the highest military decoration that can be bestowed.In Forgotten Victoria Cross, first-hand accounts of soldiers, sailors and airmen describe the incredible events that earned these extraordinary men the VC in the last century.Captivating and often humbling, these stories depict exceptional acts of bravery in unimaginable situations, of men who would say they were just doing their duty.Introduction by General Sir Richard Dannatt.

Genres: History, Military History, Military Fiction, Nonfiction, War

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 17, 2010

Reviews

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed with this book as it's not up to its usual "forgotten voices" standards they've missed out loads of recipients some very notable ones who have won it twice! Not what I expected and for people interested in the subject matter there are better books out there on VC Heroes!
Having said that I cannot take away the bravery displayed by the recipients of this award just wish the book covered all recipients!

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure this is a book to be read cover to cover, I think if you just dipped in and out you might get more out of it. I found all the stories blurred together apart from the odd stand out tale. The way the stories are presented, with the initial write-up and then the witness evidence is very dry as well. In fact it was only the last section of 'Reflections' which actually put any meat on the bones of emotion and feeling. Not a book I'd recommend to others, however worthy.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Very interesting read. A fantastic example of courage spanning 100 years. Very well written. A superb testament to these very brave men.

[Robert Hepple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Published in 2010, Forgotten Voices of the Victoria Cross draws on the considerable sound archives of the IWM for its contents. Since the creation of this archive began around 40 years ago, there is a strong WW2 bias, but at least it was started in time to gain a good WW1 content as well. The format of the book is to list transcripts in groups of successive wars, and within that the main campaigns where appropriate. The accounts themselves are mainly from comrades as, not surprisingly, so many of the VC's are posthumous. Even more poignant, many of the surviving VC recipients were killed subsequently, in some cases before they heard of the award. One long surviving recipient goes through the medal citation line for line describing which parts are correct and which ones are not, which I find very humble. Excellent reading.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extraordinary and deeply moving collection of first-hand accounts that brings the courage behind the Victoria Cross vividly to life. Roderick Bailey captures not just acts of heroism, but the humanity, humility and sacrifice of the men behind them. Powerful, fascinating and often humbling reading.

[Martin Rush · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written book about some of the UK & commonwealth Victoria cross recipients.

[Callum Featherstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting book, well written and providing a good reminder of how previous generations have given everything for the world we have today

[Robert J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

You had me at "It was only after he was back in the plane did I realize he was out on the wing at 13,000 ft." on the back cover. Books like this never fail to amaze me on the courage of men and women thrust into dire situations where complaining doesn't get things done. (Although no woman has yet to win the V.C.).
The book covers about 200 V.C. winners, each with their own story (where possible), then the perspectives of those around them. Each story stands alone. It's one of those great books you can put around your house for others to read for 5 minutes or 2 hours.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing stories about amazing men. Just dropped star as bit repetitive especially First World War .