Synopses & Reviews
Since its inception in 1857 a total of 1351 Victoria Crosses have been awarded to 1348 individuals. From that total almost 170 Crosses were won by Irishmen, 12 per cent of all the awards issued. The Irish percentage is astonishing when it is remembered that the Cross could be awarded to service-men, and for a time, to civilians, throughout the British Empire. The first Victoria Cross ever was won by an Irishman, Charles Davis Lucas. A definitive account of Ireland's contribution to the history of the Victoria Cross.