In such a book as this, accuracy is of course of the first importance, and in my account of the deeds that won the Cross I have been at considerable pains to verify the smallest particulars. To this end the _London Gazette_ and other authentic sources have been consulted, while in many cases the information has been obtained from the V.C. men themselves. It is possible, however, that errors have crept in despite the care exercised, and I shall be grateful if any reader who detects a misstatement will notify me of the fact, that the correction may be made in a future edition. A. L. H. LONDON, _June 1906_. Muscovite metal makes this English Cross, Won in a rain of blood and wreath of flame; The guns that thundered for their brave lives’ loss Are worn hence, for their fame! … The men of all the army and the fleet, The very bravest of the very brave, Linesman and Lord--these fought with equal feet Firm-planted on the grave. The men who, setting light their blood and breath, So they might win a victor’s haught renown, Held their steel straight against the face of Death, And frowned his frowning down. … And some who climbed the deadly glacis-side, For all that steel could stay, or savage shell; And some, whose blood upon the Colours dried Tells if they bore them well. Some, too, who, gentle-hearted even in strife, Seeing their fellow or their friend go down, Saved his, at peril of their own dear life, Winning the Civic Crown. Well done for them; and, fair Isle, well for thee! While that thy bosom beareth sons like those, “_The little gem set in the silver sea_” Shall never fear her foes! SIR EDWIN ARNOLD. THE BOOK OF THE V.C. CHAPTER I. THE ORIGIN OF THE VICTORIA CROSS AND THE FIRST PRESENTATION. Every nation loves to honour the brave deeds of her sons. We know how in olden times this was done, how the Romans conferred a “Civic Crown” upon the hero who saved a citizen’s life, and inscribed his name in letters of gold upon the marble wall in the Capitol. In these modern days it is the custom to bestow a medal or similar decoration upon the bravest of the brave, as a public mark of appreciation of their heroism. So Russia has its Order of St. George, which is conferred solely for exceptional gallantry on the field of battle; Austria its Order of Maria Theresa (so exclusive that there are not more than twenty living possessors of its Cross); Prussia its Order “Pour le Mérite”; France its Legion of Honour and War Medal; and the United States a “Medal of Honour” which carries no privileges and confers no rank on the bearer, and which, curiously enough, is sent to the recipient through the post.