During the opening four months of the First World War no fewer than 46 soldiers from the British and Commonwealth armies were awarded Britain's highest award for gallantry, the Victoria Cross. In a series of mini-biographies, Gerald Gliddon examines the men and the dramatic events that led to the award of this most coveted of medals. These men were "ordinary" soldiers from widely differing social backgrounds, who all acted above and beyond the call of duty. Each story is told chronologically and offers a fresh perspective on the opening stages of the "war to end wars."