VC Heroes graves and memorials throughout the UK

I have often wondered what the other crew members of an aircraft received where a pilot got the VC.

Peter wrote:

I have often wondered what the other crew members of an aircraft received where a pilot got the VC.

Sounds like a book project to me......

kevin

Peter wrote:

I have often wondered what the other crew members of an aircraft received where a pilot got the VC.

It is often because the pilot remained at the controls when badly wounded, often mortally. But some are when the whole crew took part in a very dangerous action, did they ever hold a ballot for who would receive the VC as was sometimes done elsewhere? Though I have a feeling that might have only happened when a group of similar ranked people might be eligible and no officer involved.

Not for me though! I've already bitten off more than I can chew

Peter wrote:

Not for me though! I've already bitten off more than I can chew

A good example of only the officer getting the medal happened in an earlier period at the Battle of Ulundi. Captain Lord William Leslie de la Poer Beresford went to the aid of a Sergeant whose horse had fallen and rolled on top of him. He got the Sergeant on to his horse but was dizzy and having difficulties. Sergeant Edmond O'Toole was holding off the Zulus gave up his carbine and rode alongside holding the man on the back of the Captain's horse. The Captain was awarded the VC which he received from Queen Victoria but ..

Her Majesty pinning it on to the hero's breast, but not before he had explained to his Queen he could not in honour receive recognition of any services he had been able to perform, unless Sergeant O'Toole's services were also recognised, as he deserved infinitely greater credit than any that might attach to himself. The Queen, appreciating this generosity and soldierly honesty, bestowed the reward also on Sergeant Edmund OToole of Baker's Horse, and Lord William was satisfied.

netcompsys wrote:

Peter wrote:

I have often wondered what the other crew members of an aircraft received where a pilot got the VC.

Sounds like a book project to me......

kevin

Peter wrote:

Not for me though! I've already bitten off more than I can chew

Coinincidently I was at a local 1940s event yesterday and picked up this book secondhand "For Valour - Air VC's" by Chaz Bowyer, so I think you are off the hook Peter

This website has a good index to graves of holders of the VC, I took pictures of a few for the site some years ago.

www.victoriacross.org.uk/