BOOK REVIEWS
![[Image]](pict226.jpg) |
The Journal of the Victoria Cross
Society |
The recently-formed Victoria Cross Society seeks to "educate, enlighten, stimulate and further interest and knowledge in the history and personalities associated with the Victoria Cross." The aims of the Society include "the publication of articles, letters and reviews likely to interest students of the Victoria Cross."
The publication of articles will be via two Journals each year, and this is the inaugural one. It's large format, A4 size, and produced to a very high standard, being finished more like a high-quality softback book than a magazine. It contains eleven articles plus a book review section. In keeping with the Society's publication policy, the articles in this issue cover VC-winning actions from a wide variety of conflicts; there is no question of starting with the Crimean War in Issue 1 and then moving forward in time with subsequent issues, although quite understandably, the inaugural issue does mention quite a few "firsts" - the presentation of the first VCs by Queen Victoria herself in 1857, the first VC of the Great War and the first Black VC winner.
I found the articles very absorbing. The authors have not skirted round contentious or "difficult" issues concerning the awarding of the Cross - there were certainly some political and face-saving decisions behind some awards - and most of the articles go into considerable depth, with notes and references. I think the journal (and presumably, membership of the Society) will appeal to those whose interest in this supreme award will make them want to study it to a greater depth than usual.
The Journal of the Victoria Cross Society
is published by:
The Victoria Cross Society
who can be contacte via their website - The Victoria Cross Society
Soft Covers
44 pages, black-and-white illustrations
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