The Victoria Cross, established in 1856 during the Crimean War, has remained to this day the highest British reward 'for valour' and is perhaps the most prestigious gallantry medal in the world. The VC has been earned in every theatre of war where British and Commonwealth soldiers, sailors, airmen and civilians have served. In this book the author describes and illustrates many of the medals and the men and women who have been awarded them together with the award citations which are always remarkable and sometimes astounding.