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Programm last night by jeremony clarkson investigating the history of the victoria cross. Brilliant programme aswell as an insight into the qualities/achievements of some of those who had gained it. Well worth a watch. Look out for it coming up again in the future.

I second that. Clarkson did his research and delivered good.

Amazed by the fact that all VCs are made from a single piece of metal. (always assumed that they had about 100 cannons and took a piece at a time, not just from a small block).

Top quality show never thought Jeremy Clarkson would present it, but as you said he came good. But as he did say he is married to Major King's (not sure if the name's right) daughter so I guess he had some inside info on the man. It was great to hear some of the stories of how those men got there VC's.

Does any one on the forum have a family member or a friend with a VC or knew some that was awarded one ?

Once had VD but that was many years ago.

Suppose I will have wait for the satelite channels to show this programme now.

Artist

There are some amazing stories here, well worth a visit, may take a few weeks to get through all the info:

http://www.chapter-one.com/vc/

Nice one Spitz!

Interesting fact - Two VCs have been awarded to 15year olds! Whats happened to teenagers these days?

The prog showed laddish Clarkson in a new light . He was obviously quite patriotic and not only presented but had written the prog too. A nice balance despite no RMs but he included two Gurkhas, an Aussie and a spread over two WWs and more recent battles. His late father-in- law Major Cain (not King) died before Clarkson met his wife so he never knew the Major. He said that the daughter didn't know her father was a c@#t after he had died, as Clarkson said "He never thought to mention it".

Puts into perspective the "Who is best brigade" and lamp swingers doesn't it? He also pointed out that it gets harder to get the medal as less opportunites present themselves in modern conflicts. Also mentioned two who failed to be awarded the gong, one a Lt who had done very much the same as Major Cain, but to a slightly lesser degree and, (tough on him), in the same battle. Also a Coastal command pilot who despite serious wounds kept his plane in the air until the sea was calm enough to land on so that his wounded crew might survive. It was agreed by the then War Office that his actions merited a VC but the element of `self preservation' in what he had done meant that he didn't get it.

A very good programme which stands out amongst much of the usual dross.

Barry

Compulsive viewing, excellently portrayed by Clarkson in his own inimitable manner (not that I always like the guy).

On Sunday we will remember these brave people, the ones whose stories haven't been told, it is for the likes of these heroes that we owe so much, lest we forget.................

I only caught the last 1/2 hour of the programme, and was gutted about that. What brave men they were...


Jeremy Clarkson, well hat off to him on the way he presented the programme...


lew

Anyone know if there's going to be a prog on the GC?

Sounds like a top prog. I do admit to liking Clarkson.
As JR once said,

The only VC I want, is the VC10 outa here

Was Charlie Upham mentioned? Kiwi sheep farmer who held the VC and Bar?
Sunday is Remembrance Sunday. Turn to, at your local Memorial and pay your respects, "They shall grow not old, as we that are left, grow old"

Aye,

It was well presented, but with stories like that how could he go wrong.
It was the MEN that made the stories and Clarkson just retold them, but a very good show any way.

Jon wrote:Nice one Spitz!

Interesting fact - Two VCs have been awarded to 15year olds! Whats happened to teenagers these days?

The tree huggers have it so that you can't serve while 15 these days, the fine young lad who won the GC in Iraq was 18 when he won it.

Oh yah and on a further note I once met 'Smokey Smith,' A SeaForth Highlander from Canada who won his VC while drunk on Italian wine.

A great program and with lots of facts that even some of the books on the subject leave out.

Take time to support the lads who are going to visit all the RM VC graves next year www.respectingvalour.co.uk
be nice to see a program follow them on their quest.

BenChug wrote:Nice one Spitz!
Oh yah and on a further note I once met 'Smokey Smith,' A SeaForth Highlander from Canada who won his VC while drunk on Italian wine.

BenChug sounds like a interesting story.