FOR VALOUR

THE AIR VCs

(CHAZ BOWYER)

Since its inception in 1856, the Victoria Cross-which takes precedence over all other awards, decorations and honours within the British Commonwealth-has been awarded on 1,350 occasions.  Of these, just 51 have been conferred on airmen.  Here, for the first time, are the complete and accurate biographies of each of those 51 men.

Though primarily regarded as a British honour, of those 51 airmen, 16 were not British-born: coming from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africans and Eire willingly to pledge their lives in Britain’s cause during the two major wars of this century.  Courage and sacrifice have no succinct class, race or creed and the award of a Victoria Cross has always exemplified that completely democratic ideal, whereby neither rank, position, privilege of birth, or any other form of ‘influence’ has any bearing or eligibility.  The sole criterion for conferment of the little bronze cross has always been unadulterated valour.

That a mere 51 men received the cross, from several millions of airmen to see service during the past 64 years is perhaps an indication of its rarity, and therefore illustrates the exclusiveness of that gallant company.  Of these, 25 lost their lives as a direct result of the deeds which brought them the supreme honour: while six others were subsequently killed in action.

Resulting from several decades of private research on an international scale, and profusely illustrated, this book has undoubtedly become the standard reference work on the subject of the air VCs.  It also provides a lasting record of their lives and astonishing courage – a permanent tribute to every airman ever awarded a Victoria Cross.

ISBN 1 84067 240 4

This is an opportunity to obtain this 2002 hardback book, in very good overall condition, unread, and well below the recommended selling price.  Any wear is restricted to the edges of the dustjacket  which are minor knocks and bumps (see photographs 2 & 3 above), together with some light age-related discolouration (yellowing) to the pages.  The book runs to an impressive 548 pages (23.5cm x 15cm) of which 177 pages are illustrations and includes at least one photograph of each recipient of the VC.  A full index is also included together with a useful bibliography.