CONCLUSION: THE NEW HERO IN ACTION, 1940–2006 187
it during the Second World War, mechanized forces garnered only a small
share of the VCs given in either war, four in the First, six in the Second.^3
Even more interesting is the fact that of the Crosses conferred on members
of armored units in either war, not a single one went to an act performed
while inside a tank. This is phenomenal, given the number of armored
vehicles used by the British Army during the Second World War, especially
considering the relative vulnerability of Allied armor to that of the Germans.^4
No matter how bravely or recklessly a tanker operated his machine, he
had to dismount to receive the highest institutional recognition of his
heroism.
One of the most immediate and disturbing effects of the committee’s
changes in the warrant came, predictably, from the formalization of the
posthumous Victoria Cross. Comparing the casualty figures between the two
world wars suggests that Ponsonby was not alone in his interpretation of
the regulations regarding dead heroes. It was his understanding during the
debate on the subject that the individual had to survive the action long
enough for his name to be submitted as a recommendation.^5
Apparently some field officers had the same notion, as the total number
of heroes killed in action or died of wounds during the Great War ranged
from about 20 to 30 percent per year of the Crosses approved. This figure
jumped drastically during the Second World War (Table 10.1).
The higher lethality rate can be attributed to two main factors. Clearing up
the regulations concerning posthumous awards probably resulted in more
‘killed on the spot’ candidates getting submitted for consideration. There
was less confusion concerning the letter of the law regarding this aspect of
heroism, leaving recommending officers free to recognize the sacrifice of
their men.
Table 10.1 The cost of courage, the Second World War: casualties per year
Year 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945
16 22 33 25 52 34

Awarded Raw % Raw % Raw % Raw % Raw % Raw %

No Wound 4 25 5 23 10 30 11 44 13 25 8 24
WIA 4 25 6 27 11 33 5 20 12 23 7 21
DOW 2 13 6 27 0 0 2 8 10 19 9 26
KIA 6 38 5 23 12 36 7 28 17 33 10 29
Total Cas. 13 81 13 77 23 70 14 56 39 75 26 76
Total lethal 8 50 11 50 12 36 9 36 27 52 19 56