Supreme Courage: Heroic Stories from 150 Years of the VC

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 Billiere 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 Billiere 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.

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 Billiere
Hardcover 352 pages 2004