FOR VALOUR: The Victoria Cross: Courage in Action.

London: Thames Methuen. 1985. First edition, first printing. First edition, first printing. Signed and inscribed by the author to Godfrey Place, VC. Publisher's original black cloth with titles in gilt to the spine, in dustwrapper. Illustrated with 16 black and white photographic plates. A fine copy, the binding square and tight. The contents with just a couple of tiny dots to the edges of the textblock are otherwise clean and crisp throughout and remain free from any previous owners' inscriptions or stamps. Complete with the fine dustwrapper which has just a touch of shelf wear to the extremities. Not price-clipped (£9.95 to the front flap). Signed and inscribed by John Percival to Godfrey Place, VC in black ink on the front free endpaper "To Godfrey Place / with grateful thanks / John Percival / 30/7/85". The first edition of Percival's history of the Victoria Cross and the soldiers, sailors and airmen who have received it, inscribed to the then chairman of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association, Rear Admiral Godfrey Place, VC, CB, CVO, DSC (1921-1994), whom Percival also thanks in the acknowledgements of the book. Place was awarded the VC for his actions on 22nd September 1943 at Kåfjord, North Norway, where, commanding Midget Submarine X7, he carried out, alongside another submarine, a most daring and successful attack on the German Battleship Tirpitz. The two submarines had to travel at least 1,000 miles from base, negotiate a mine-field, and dodge nets, gun defenses and enemy listening posts. Having eluded all these hazards they finally placed the charges underneath the ship where they went off an hour later, doing so much damage that Tirpitz was out of action for months. An excellent association copy. Further details and images for any of the items listed are available on request. Lucius Books welcomes direct contact with our customers.