Victoria Cross Holders Route, Westhoek, Belgium

The Victoria Cross (VC) is a military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of armed forces of some Commonwealth countries and previous British Empire territories. It takes precedence over all other postnominals and medals. It may be awarded to a person of any rank in any service and civilians under military command, and is presented to the recipient during an investiture by the British monarch. It is the joint highest award for bravery in the United Kingdom with the George Cross, which is the equivalent honour for valour not in the face of the enemy.

The VC was introduced on 29 January 1856 by Queen Victoria and has been "awarded" since then about 1.355 times. Taking into account the number of people involved in armed conflicts since that day, you can say that a VC isn't awarded very often, on the contrary it is a rare honour.

It is with this in mind that this route has been created :
The route will bring you along the graves of more than 20 Victoria Cross Holders. There is probably no other place on earth where you will find that many Victoria Cross Holders' graves so close to each other.

In this context : during this tour you will discover the ONLY headstone in the world with 2 VC's on it of Cpt N. Chavasse.

Please make sure that you always show respect during your visits to the in this tour mentioned sites.

Hope you enjoy it.