The great privileges and freedoms we enjoy in this wonderful country of ours are often forgotten until one looks at events in other parts of the World. It is beholden on us all therefore to remember these precious freedoms were in good measure earned for us by the courage, dedication, professionalism and sacrifice of the men and women who served and fought on behalf of their fellow citizens in the First World War.
In particular we are paying a special tribute here to the 10 servicemen from Birmingham whose very exceptional bravery earned them the Nation’s highest honour.
This book is a fitting tribute to their memory and I salute their extraordinary commitment in the service of their Country.
We should also remember at this time the immense contribution made to the War effort by not only those on the Home front but all also those from Commonwealth and other countries who freely volunteered to support the Allied effort in a truly global war.
I am particularly pleased that various schools were involved in producing this excellent book and my personal thanks go to all the students, staff and parents of the schools involved.
My thanks in no small measure also go to Richard Boot whose idea it was to produce this book. Richard was moved to do this book as his wife’s Sandra’s great uncle was Arthur Vickers one of the VC winners.
Thank you, Richard and all those who made this excellent book a reality.
P C SABAPATHY CVO CBE
Formerly HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Midlands