As one might expect from a county with the motto "Invicta", Kent has produced her fair share of military heroes. Here Roy Ingleton honours 50 of those who have been awarded the nations highest decoration for valour in the line of duty. This book is divided into sections according to the conflicts in which the awards were earned, each beginning with a concise historical overview to set the context for these acts of heroism. From the Crimea (thus some of the earliest VC's ever awarded), through to the Second World War, the entries encompass many of the most famous episodes in British military history and are drawn from all three services. Meet heroes such as Seargent Major Wooden of the 17th Lancers and surgeon Sir James Mouat who were granted VCs for their part in the Charge of the Light Brigade (Battle of Balaclava, 1857); Captain Walter Norris Congreve who helped to save the guns at Colenso (1899); Lieutenant Philip Neame, scion of Kent's famous brewing family and the only man to win both an Olympic gold medal and a VC (Neuve Chapelle, 1914); Major James McCudden, the leading British fighter ace and probably Kent's most famous VC winner (France 1917/18); Lieutenant Commander George Bradford RN (Zeebrugge Raid, 1918); Seargent Thomas Durrant, No 1 Commando (St Nazaire, 1942) and Lance Corporal John Harman (Battle of Kohima, 1944). The nation holds a special place in its heart for winners of the Victoria Cross and this book is sure to inspire not only those who are lucky enough to call Kent home, but anyone interested in British military history. SELLING POINTS: ? Honours 50 VC winners from Kent, or with strong links to the county. ? Includes acts of heroism in such famous actions as The Charge of the Light Brigade, The Saving of the Guns at Colenso, James NcCudden's dogfights over the Western Front, The Zeebrugge Raid and the raid on St Nazaire. ? Roy Ingleton is a well-established author of Kent local history. AUTHOR: Roy Ingleton is a professional writer and translator. He lives in Maidstone in the hear of Kent and his previous works include Policing Kent 1800-2000 (Phillimore, 2002), Kent Murder and Mayhem (Pen gSword, 2008) and the forthcoming Kent Disasters (Pen Sword, 2009) ILLUSTRATIONS: 16pp b/w plates *
