In 1940, King George VI, deeply impressed with the heroism of servicemen out of the front line and civilians non-combatants in acts connected with the war such as bomb disposal, rescues after air raids, instituted the George Cross for 'For Gallantry' away from the heat of actual battle.In 1942 the GC was awarded to Island of Malta. Among the many inspiring stories, many posthumous, are those to Violette Szabo and Forest Yeo-Thomas of SOE. This inspiring book is the only one to describe the deeds of all recipients of the George Cross right up to the present day.