Vivid Courage: 'Victoria Crosses - Antecedent and Allied Regiments of the Staffordshire Regiment - Softcover

Hope, Robert

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1911096370 ISBN 13: 9781911096375

Publisher: Helion and Company, 2016

Synopsis

In the history of the Victoria Cross, this is the first book exclusively written about the recipients of this prestigious award who were members of this famous regiment. This is the fifth book written by the author - and like his previous works, contains a wealth of facts, figures and information. The Staffordshire Regiment existed in excess of 300 years and are exceedingly proud of their loyal, long and distinguished service to Crown and Country. The Victoria Cross is this country’s highest honor that can be bestowed on individuals for most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or preeminent act of valor, self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy. Since the introduction of the Victoria Cross Medal in 1856, a number of unique records have been created by the ‘Staffords': a total of 13 Victoria Cross Medals have been awarded to members of the Staffordshire Regiment’s antecedent regiments - and nine former soldiers, with other regiments, went on to be awarded the medal. Four holders of this highly prized award served with the regiment during their army careers; 10 soldiers of their allied regiments - two from the West Indian Regiment (Jamaica Regiment) and eight from the 8th/7th Battalion, The Royal Victoria Regiment (Australian Army) - were awarded the Victoria Cross. Brief details are given on the histories of the Staffordshire Regiment and her allied regiments whose members were awarded the VC, and it also contains a brief history of the Victoria Cross. Summaries are given on the various wars and campaigns in which each of the Victoria Crosses were earned - and the life and times of these individual soldiers (including their VC actions) are recorded. These give a personal insight into their lives, irrespective of rank, or of noble birth. Some were killed in action, or died of wounds whilst carrying out acts of valor; some were to die young, whilst others lived for many years; some lived comfortable lives whilst others struggled - resorting to the workhouse, or dying in poverty. For some Victoria Cross recipients, there may be plaques or memorials; for others, an unmarked common or pauper’s grave is their final resting place. Like the author’s previous books, which were well researched, this book brings history to life and unites all military personnel regardless of rank and status in life. These remarkable soldiers have been fortunate enough to be recognized - and accordingly, it is their epitaph and legacy that their names are recorded for posterity.

About this title

About the Author

Robert Hope is the eldest of triplets who are the youngest of a family of 13 children. Leaving school at the age of 15 - starting as an apprentice and retiring as a senior building surveyor - he is a former chartered building engineer and Fellow of the Chartered Association of Building Engineers. In 2000, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. His passion, enthusiasm and love of military history have never diminished from reading at primary school in the late 1950s a graphic account of the defence of Rorke’s Drift, which took place during the Zulu War. Both he and his wife, Linda, have walked across many battlefields in this country and mainland Europe - including wading and swimming rivers at some of the remotest battlefields on the African continent. Robert has been credited as a historical advisor on an educational film made for schoolchildren and he has carried out arena commentaries at military events; his work has been mentioned in many books and published articles. A renowned military historian and author, he gives lectures and talks on various military subjects. He has had several books published, with their forewords being provided by high-ranking army officers and two by HRH The Duke of York. His books have traversed the globe and are used by the general reader, historians, medal collectors, statisticians and academics.

Review

“ ... This is an extremely useful book – particular effort has been made to seek illustrations of the recipients, no mean feat for some of the early and Commonwealth recipients. A most useful addition to the bookshelf, and essential if your interests cover the lamented Staffords.” (Society of Friends of the National Army Museum, Spring 2017)

"A superb book, it should be on the shelf of all those with an interest in this regiment. Strongly recommended." (Medal News)

Edition details

• Publisher: Helion and Company
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1911096370
• ISBN 13: 9781911096375
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 232