In a series of mini-biographies, Gerald Gliddon examines the men and the dramatic events that led to the award of this most coveted of medals. These men were 'ordinary' soldiers from widely differing social backgrounds, who all acted above and beyond the call of duty. Each story is told chronologically and offers a fresh perspective on the opening stages of the 'war to end wars'.

What had initially been a purely naval enterprise had escalated to become a full-scale Anglo-French invasion, resulting in an eight-month campaign which Churchill hoped would knock Turkey out of the war. For a campaign that promised so much, it ultimately became a tragedy of lost opportunities. By January 1916, when the last men were taken off the peninsula, the casualties totalled 205,000. This book tells the stories of the 39 men whose bravery on...

With this in mind the Germans planned an all-out offensive, Operation 'Michael', which overwhelmed the Allies and overstretched the Germans. More offensives were to follow throughout the spring, including at Aisne and Marne. It was during these bloody battles that 57 men stood out for acts of extraordinary daring and bravery. To these men the highest military honour was awarded - the Victoria Cross. This book reveals the true extent of their bravery,...

On the first day alone nearly 19,000 British troops were killed - the greatest one-day loss in the history of the British Army. By November the death toll from the armies of Britain, France and Germany had risen to over a million. This book tells the stories of fifty-one soldiers from the Commonwealth and Empire armies whose bravery on the battlefield was rewarded by the Victoria Cross, the highest military honour - men like Private Billy McFadzean,...