For Valour: The Victoria Cross

Published on 13 January 2013
Submitted by Mark Smith

Mark Smith explores the origins of the Victoria Cross, debunking long-standing myths, and sharing extraordinary true stories of courage and sacrifice of those who have been earned Britain’s highest award for bravery. 

Mark Smith is the Curator and Regimental Historical Secretary, The Royal Artillery Museum. This presentation was delivered at the WFA's 2010 AGM

For Valour: The Victoria Cross
Key benefits of membership

Becoming a member of The Western Front Association (WFA) offers a wealth of resources and opportunities for those passionate about the history of the First World War. Here's just three of the benefits we offer:

Searchable Magazine Icon
Searchable Magazine Archive

Identify key words or phrases within back issues of our magazines, including Stand To!, Bulletin, Gun Fire, Fire Step and lots of others.

Youtube Channel Icon
Subscribe to the WFA's YouTube channel

The WFA's YouTube channel features hundreds of videos of lectures given by experts on particular aspects of WW1.

Magazine
Historical Magazines

Read post-WW1 era magazines, such as 'Twenty Years After', 'WW1 A Pictured History' and 'I Was There!' plus others.

Other Articles

James Marshall VC
22 December 2025

The Making of a Hero: James Neville Marshall VC

Read more
Sambre Canal. Surrey Live
21 December 2025

Not 'Coming up with the rations': The award of the final wartime second bar to the MM

Read more
01. Marko, P.61
17 December 2025

Le Roi des Montagnes, the French, and Floatplanes

Read more
The Oak & Laurel (1)
17 December 2025

The Oak and Laurel

Read more
1.25Th Cyclists
5 December 2025

From Putney Bridge to Jallianwala Bagh: The 1/25th County of London Cyclists 1914-1919

Read more