Turner - Awards of the George Cross 1940-2009

The human material for this book has come from a complex series of sources, assembled over a prolonged period of years.

First of all, I would like to acknowledge the original George Cross citations from the London Gazette . I have also had help over the years from the Library of the Imperial War Museum; the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association and Research Project; the Ministry of Defence; Her Majestys Stationery Office; the files of the late Canon William Lummis, MC; the files of The Times and other papers; and, not least, help from The Register of the George Cross (published by This England Books), which has enabled me to double-check certain names and dates. I am also indebted to my publishing manager, Brigadier Henry Wilson, and diligent editor, Susan Econicoff.

Finally, I have referred to two of my own books for details of some of the classic cases of mine and bomb disposal: Service Most Silent described the Royal Navys fight against enemy mines, and Highly Explosive included the men who were awarded the George Cross for dealing with unexploded bombs.

I would like to dedicate this book to all 160 direct winners of the George Cross.

J.F.T