Ten holders of the Victoria Cross, the highest British military honour - for 'valour in the face of the enemy' - are associated with the Borough of Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK. They include the very first VC to be awarded (in the Crimea, 1856). The lives of the recipients were played out worldwide - from Russia to New Zealand, Mesopotamia to North Africa, Italy to Canada and Afghanistan, as well as the UK, from Scotland to Surrey. The settings of their valiant acts, on land and sea, ranged from the Maori Wars to Tibet and the two World Wars. Using a vast array of historical and contemporary material, Richard Snow has painstakingly and skilfully pieced together the lives of these Ten Brave Men. Markedly different in background and personality, they had one thing in common - extraordinary courage when unexpectedly faced with the ultimate threat to comrades and country. These highly charged stories are in turn astounding, poignant, shocking, funny and sad, and will enthral and inspire all those interested in extreme bravery. Each story has a Foreword written by a member of the respective family and each Victoria Cross holder's monuments, memorials and tributes are included, together with the location of their medals, where known. Copiously and evocatively illustrated, this book explores the intense emotions and challenges of life in combat.
