As one might
expect from a county with the motto 'Invicta' (Unconquered), 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. rn The 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 VCs 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 Sargent-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 of
WWI and probably Kent's most famous VC winner (France1917/18); Lieutenant
Commander George Bradford RN (Zeebrugge Raid, 1918); Sargent Thomas Durrant, No
1 Commando (St Nazaire, 1942) and Lance Corporal John Harman (Battle of Kohima,
1944). rn 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.
