Almost A VC...

[james]

Hi all.

James here.

This is my first post. I am doing my school project on the Western Front. My man, Private (later a Lance-Corporal) Thomas Frederick Sutherland, 5th Seaforth Highlanders, has to write twenty letters home about his time in France, during the Battle of Arras. Is it OK to say that he almost got a VC during while fighting at Arras?

Thanks.

James.

[Les]

James,

Many men had been put up for the VC but got a lesser decoration. One man (can't remember his name) was recommended but only got a Mention In Despatches (MID). Others however got a DSO, MC or MM for their actions.

So there shouldn't be a problem for a fictional character being nominated and not get it.

Les.

[james]

Hi Les!

James again.

I've said that Thomas was awarded a Military Medal for rescuing a
wounded man while under enemy fire during the opening weeks of the Battle of Arras, on April 23, 1917. When he preformed his VC act, he was KIA when a German shell landed close to him and the men he was trying to rescue, on May 15, 1917. He was given a Bar to the Military Medal for his un-selfish actions.

Thanks.

James.

[Les]

Sounds good to me! As long as you stipulate that the character (and actions) are ficticious, you shouldn't get any agro from the hardcore MM crowd.

Good luck.