Victoria Cross Battles Of The Second World War: Daring Military Operations

The Second World War was a time of immense bravery and sacrifice, with countless extraordinary military operations taking place across the globe. During this tumultuous period, several individuals demonstrated exceptional valor, earning themselves the prestigious Victoria Cross medal.

The Victoria Cross: A Symbol of Heroism

The Victoria Cross, instituted by Queen Victoria in 1856, is the highest military decoration awarded to members of the British Armed Forces. It recognizes acts of conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy, often risking one's life in the face of extreme danger. The Victoria Cross serves as a testament to the incredible bravery displayed by recipients in the heat of battle.

The Daring Military Operations

The Second World War proved to be a testing ground for bravery, and numerous Victoria Cross recipients emerged from the conflicts. These individuals participated in daring military operations that pushed the boundaries of human courage and demonstrated unparalleled heroism.

Victoria Cross Battles of the Second World War (Daring Military Operations of World War Two)

by C. E. Lucas Phillips(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3418 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	327 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Battle of Dunkirk

One of the most famous operations of the war was the evacuation of Allied soldiers from the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940. In the face of a relentless German assault, thousands of soldiers were trapped with their backs to the sea. British destroyer captains, such as Lieutenant Commander Malcolm Wanklyn, performed valorous acts, risking their lives to rescue stranded soldiers by navigating treacherous waters and braving aerial attacks. Such daring operations exemplify the unwavering determination exhibited by those awarded the Victoria Cross.

The Raid on St. Nazaire

Another noteworthy military operation was the daring raid on the port of St. Nazaire in 1942. British commandos, led by Lieutenant Colonel Charles Newman, executed a plan to destroy the heavily fortified dry dock. Despite overwhelming odds, Newman led his troops into the heart of the German defenses, fighting valiantly until they were outnumbered and forced to surrender. This audacious mission showcased both the skill and bravery that earned Lieutenant Colonel Newman the Victoria Cross posthumously.

The Battle of Kohima

The Battle of Kohima, which took place in northeast India in 1944, was a pivotal moment in the Allied counter-offensive against Japanese forces in Burma. During the intense jungle warfare, Rifleman Tul Bahadur Pun, a member of the 3rd Battalion, 6th Gurkha Rifles, singlehandedly silenced several enemy machine-gun positions, despite sustaining severe injuries. Pun's bravery in the face of overwhelming odds played a vital role in securing the strategic victory at Kohima, earning him the Victoria Cross.

Remembering Their Sacrifice

These daring operations and the brave individuals who undertook them deserve to be remembered. The Victoria Cross represents not just individual acts of heroism, but also the collective courage demonstrated by countless military personnel during the Second World War.

As we pay tribute to those who earned this prestigious award, let us honor their memory by preserving the stories of their remarkable acts of valor. Their bravery serves as an inspiration to future generations and reminds us of the sacrifices made by warriors who fought to protect the values and freedoms we hold dear.

Inspiring Heroism

The Victoria Cross battles of the Second World War showcase the incredible bravery and daring military operations that defined the era. These stories of valor continue to captivate our imaginations and inspire generations. The individuals who earned the Victoria Cross remind us of the extraordinary power of heroism in the face of adversity. Their remarkable acts of courage serve as a shining example of the triumph of the human spirit and the relentless pursuit of freedom, even in the darkest times.

Victoria Cross Battles of the Second World War (Daring Military Operations of World War Two)

by C. E. Lucas Phillips(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3418 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	327 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

An extraordinary history of the most heroic actions of World War Two. Perfect for readers of Ant Middleton, Damien Lewis and Ben MacIntyre.

The Victoria Cross is the British military’s highest and most prestigious award. During the course of World War Two, one hundred and eighty two Victoria Crosses were awarded for valour ‘in the presence of the enemy’ to men who fought on land, at sea and in the air.

Although these medals are usually associated with individual acts of heroism, C. E. Lucas Phillips uncovers the extraordinary battles in which multiple Victoria Crosses were won.

From Crete to Burma, the Atlantic to North Africa, Lucas Phillips explores the daring exploits of Australians, New Zealanders, South Africans, Gurkhas and Britons as they performed courageous acts that saw them, often posthumously, awarded with the highest honour.

Victoria Cross Battles of the Second World War chronicles not just the heroic actions themselves but also provides insight into the wider battles and war, utilising first-hand evidence to graphically depict these extraordinary moments that punctuated the long, brutal conflict.

‘The author brings a tenseness to his narrative which enables the reader to live through the experiences he describes’ RUSI Journal

‘A serious and lively contribution to military history’ Times Literary Supplement