Victoria Crosses on the Western Front – Battles of the Hindenburg Line – Canal du Nord (Paperback)

This is another wonderful addition to this series detailing the engrossing and inspiring stories of VC recipients during the Great War. IT is the thirteenth in this series. Alongside the narrative of each story, this edition - like all of the others - gives the reader a valuable insight into the battlefields, and the authors commanding expertise in the topography and the stories. As stated in the introduction, the book is as much for the battlefield visitor as it is for the armchair reader.

Each story is illustrated with excellent maps, and photographs of the ground. At the same detailed and informative biographies are given of the VC recipients which in turn enable the readers to obtain a feel if the individuals in focus. Just one example of this is how the author incorporates the story of Lieutenant Milton Fowler Gregg of the Royal Canadian Regiment, Canadian Expeditionary Force.

Milton was awarded the Victoria Cross for operations near Cambrai between the 27th and 1st of October when he crawled forward alone and explored wire until he found a small gap through which he led his me, and forced entry into the German trench. Following a counter-attack and being wounded, Gregg returned alone under fire and organised a further attack into German trenches in which were cleared.

His biography includes information of when and where he was born, in New Brunswick, Canada, alongside further information on his father and mother, siblings, and paternal grandfather. Indeed, there is information detailing how his paternal grandfather had come from Broadoak in the Liskeard district of Cornwall, whilst his maternal grandfather originated from County Donegal, Ireland. Equally interesting is the overview of Milton's duties between 1934-39 as being a macebearer and being responsible for the Speaker in the Canadian Parliament, as well as being the Dominion Treasurer of the Canadian Legion during the same period, alongside roles with the United Nations, University of Western Ontario and Canada's first High Commissioner in British New Guiana. A remarkable life.

This a continual reminder of the contribution which so many Great War veterans made in the remaining years of their lives.

The exhaustive research undertaken in this volume, and all of the others by the author, is of a colossus the detailed nature. This work has left a valuable and vital legacy of these Great War V.C. stories for future generations to read and learn about. This work is the most special tribute to these men. A tremendous book.

Jon Sandison - Teacher of History