The 100 obituaries to be found here, written between 1987 and 2002, were chosen to show the widest range of military experience. They include those who performed astonishing acts of bravery, such as the New Zealander Charles Upham, who won the Victoria Cross twice in Crete and North Africa, the commando leader "Mad Jack" Churchill and Drum Major Buss, the bugler who rallied the Glosters at the Imjin River in Korea. Among the senior figures are General Mazek, who commanded the Poles in Normandy, Field Marshal Lord Carver and General Sir Walter Walker, who won three DSOs.

Reviews

'A classic compilation...an addictive read. If ever there was a bedside book, or the perfect book to place where one occasionally sits with time to spare, this is it.' David Edelsten, The Field

'Thought-provoking and humbling essays in valour...evoking swirling, profound emotions. A superbly edited book.' Andrew Roberts, Daily Telegraph

'Almost every obituary contains stories of stoicism and courage; to read them is to be convinced of the wastefulness of war, but also to recognise how much we owe those who endure it.' Philip Ziegler, The Spectator

'Marvellous accounts of lives lived to the full, put to the test and not found wanting.' Catholic Herald

'Includes the great, the brave, the adventurous and the eccentric.' Soldier Magazine