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VCs of the First World WarVictoria CrossGerald GliddonStephen SnellingWWI military history

VCs of the First World War Book Series

VCs of the First World War Book Series

The VCs of the First World War is a comprehensive series of books dedicated to documenting the recipients of the Victoria Cross (VC), the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Through a collection of detailed volumes, the series chronicles the extraordinary bravery of soldiers, sailors, and airmen across the diverse theaters of the Great War.

Key Facts

  • The series is authored by several historians, with Gerald Gliddon contributing the majority of the volumes.
  • Coverage spans major land battles, naval engagements, and aerial combat.
  • Specific volumes detail high-casualty campaigns such as the Somme, Passchendaele, and Gallipoli.
  • The series includes specialized accounts of the Royal Navy, Royal Naval Air Service, Royal Flying Corps, and Royal Air Force.

The Contributions of Gerald Gliddon

Gerald Gliddon has authored eight books within the series, providing the foundational narrative for much of the collection. His work focuses heavily on the chronological progression of the war and specific pivotal engagements.

Gliddon's contributions include volumes covering 1914, the Somme in 1916, Arras and Messines in 1917, and Cambrai in 1917. He also detailed the later stages of the conflict through books on the Spring Offensive of 1918 and the Road to Victory in 1918.

One of the most detailed volumes, VCs of the First World War: The Final Days 1918, focuses on the closing six weeks of the war. This book highlights the Battle of the Canal du Nord—which led to the Allied conquest of Cambrai—through the accounts of seven Victoria Cross recipients. In total, this final period saw 56 individuals awarded the VC.

Additionally, Gliddon authored VCs of the First World War: The Sideshows, which examines bravery in less prominent theaters of operation.

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Specialized Campaigns and Services

Other historians have contributed specialized volumes to ensure all branches of service and major campaigns are represented.

Stephen Snelling's Contributions

Stephen Snelling authored three volumes focusing on specific high-intensity conflicts and the maritime effort:

  • Gallipoli: Covers the 39 recipients awarded the VC during the Gallipoli Campaign.
  • Passchendaele 1917: Details the 65 recipients recognized for their actions during the five-month Battle of Passchendaele.
  • The Naval VCs: Dedicated to the recipients within the Royal Navy.

Aerial and Early Western Front History

The series also addresses the evolution of air warfare and the early struggles of the Western Front. Peter Cooksley and Peter F. Batchelor co-authored VCs of the First World War: The Air VCs, which recognizes bravery in the Royal Naval Air Service, the Royal Flying Corps, and the Royal Air Force.

Furthermore, Peter F. Batchelor and Christopher Matson collaborated on VCs of the First World War: The Western Front 1915, focusing specifically on the actions that took place on the Western Front during that year.

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Series Summary Table

Overview of VCs of the First World War Volumes
Author(s) Book Title / Focus Key Details
Gerald Gliddon Various (1914, Somme, Arras, Cambrai, etc.) Authored 8 books, including the Final Days of 1918.
Stephen Snelling Gallipoli, Passchendaele, Naval VCs Covers 39 VC recipients in Gallipoli and 65 in Passchendaele.
P. Cooksley & P.F. Batchelor The Air VCs Includes RN Air Service, RFC, and RAF.
P.F. Batchelor & C. Matson The Western Front 1915 Focuses on 1915 Western Front actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote the most books in the VCs of the First World War series?

Gerald Gliddon wrote the majority of the series, contributing a total of eight books.

How many Victoria Crosses were awarded in the final six weeks of the war?

According to the volume on the Final Days of 1918, 56 people received the Victoria Cross during the last six weeks of the conflict.

Which book covers the air force recipients?

The book titled VCs of the First World War: The Air VCs, written by Peter Cooksley and Peter F. Batchelor, covers recipients from the Royal Naval Air Service, Royal Flying Corps, and Royal Air Force.

How many VC recipients are featured in the Passchendaele volume?

The volume on Passchendaele 1917, written by Stephen Snelling, covers 65 recipients awarded the VC during the five-month battle.

Which battle led to the conquest of Cambrai in the final days of the war?

The Battle of the Canal du Nord led to the conquest of Cambrai by the Allied Powers.

References

  1. "VC Books". Victoria Cross.org. Retrieved 5 August 2009.
  2. Gliddon, Gerald (2013). VCs of the First World War: Spring Offensive 1918. Gloucestershire: The History Press. ISBN 978-0-7524-8730-4.
  3. Gliddon, Gerald (2014). VCs of the First World War: The Final Days 1918. Gloucestershire: The History Press. ISBN 978-0-7509-5368-9.
  4. Snelling, Stephen (2010). VCs of the First World War: Gallipoli. Gloucestershire: The History Press. ISBN 978-0-7524-5653-9.
  5. Snelling, Stephen (2012). VCs of the First World War: Passchendaele 1917. Gloucestershire: The History Press. ISBN 978-0-7524-7666-7.

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