Victoria Cross Heroes

by Michael Ashcroft

Author is the world's leading collector of VCs; his trust owns 146.

Foreword by HRH The Prince of Wales

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

396 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Michael Anthony P. Ashcroft, Baron Ashcroft, KCMG, PC is an English–Belizean businessman and politician. He is a former deputy chairman of the Conservative Party. Ashcroft founded Michael A. Ashcroft Associates in 1972 and is the 95th richest person in the UK, as ranked by the Sunday Times Rich List 2017, with an estimated fortune of £1.35 billion.

Reviews

[Hugh Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each story is a gem.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great bit of military history from the Crimean War to the Iraq War from the British perspective.

Reading of so many heroic deeds revealed some themes: selfless service, a disregard for the reality of the danger, and most died during the feat. Possibly some of this could be chalked up to youth, naivete, and following the ideology of those seasoned leaders who they held in high esteem.

Some soldiers in the book suffered PTSD. Some of the soldiers were homosexual.

Some felt useless for anything more than being a soldier, while others left and no longer wanted to discuss that part of their life.

These stories are about a lot of young men. I am particularly disturbed by the account of the soldiers in World War I, simply because their awards are for such similar reasons, you could tell they were following the orders of their leaders, and possibly better orders could have been given. God forbid, diplomacy.

What astonishing character these young men had.

[Amarjeet Singh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is actually quite a fascinating piece of military history. Michael Ashcroft delves into the 150 Victoria Crosses in his collection to recount the immersive tale of valor behind each and every one of them and how they fell into his care. The highlight for me, as a Sikh, was Ashcroft's narration of the VC awarded to Sepoy (later Captain) Ishar Singh of the 28th Punjabis-British Indian Army-who daringly fought off multiple foes during the Waziristan campaign to rescue his colleagues under fire while grievously wounded himself.

This, however, did not detract me from the valor displayed by other recipients of all services and even civilians (read Indian Mutiny). These tales serve as lessons in leadership and self-responsibility. Ashcroft has provided a book which will speak across generations. The only downside is the somber tone of the pictorials (British brevity?) which lend the book an antiquated and dull look.

[Alayne · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book giving a selection of the names and telling of the events that led to the awarding of the VC since its inauguration in the Crimean War until the time of writing, which was 2005. The stories are mostly of the VC winners whose medals are held by a trust founded by the author, although a few others are mentioned. Only 2 Australians are listed; Albert Jacka and Keith Payne. It was fairly hard going as so much of their sacrifice seemed to me to be a waste of life - as were most of the wars they fought in.

[David Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book filled with the exploits of the men who won the Victoria Cross which reside in the largest collect of VC's in the world. Michael Ashcroft gives an interesting insight to the history of the award as well as his passion for it. This passion lead to the creation of a trust that would go on to obtain 145 of Britain's highest decoration for valor in armed conflict.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little book of truly heroic tales, perfect for reference. These men are real heroes, not X Factor winners and models. The Ashcroft Collection is superb, perhaps take a look at the accompanying DVD, its very good