The Launch of On Courage by The Sebastopol Project. Wednesday 16^th May 2018.

Wednesday 16^th May saw a very special day for the launch of On Courage that contains 28 stories of brave and inspirational men and women who in the course of their duties gave so much. These are their stories as introduced by 28 Personalities stories of heroism and bravery.

Earlier in the day Her Majesty the Queen received a delegation of VC and GC holders and also representatives of the group’s behind the book and a copy of On Courage: Stories of Victoria Cross and George Cross Holders was presented to Her Majesty the Queen.

Later that evening at the National Army Museum, Chelsea the official launch of On Courage took place with representatives of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association and the Sebastopol Project and also some of the personalities who have contributed to the book by introducing some of the stories.

Anthony Crean of the Sebastopol Project get the launch evening underway.

Becca Maciejewska, The VC and GC Association

The opening speeches from Anthony Crean (The Sebastopol Project), Becca Maciejewska (The VC and GC Association) gave the invited audience details of how the project started and also talks by James Eadie (The Sebastopol Project) and Major Peter Norton GC (The VC and GC Association) talked about Combat Stress and how the proceeds of the sales of On Courage will go to help those who have served this country will receive the help they deserve.

James Eadie – The Sebastopol Project

Major Peter Norton GC, The VC and GC Association

Without doubt one of the most inspirational talks was by the multi Olympic gold medal winner Dame Katherine Grainger who spoke passionately about her involvement in On Courage as talked about Martin Eric Dunbar-Naismith VC and also about real heroes that are those who have given so much personal sacrifice. This was an incredibly moving and heartfelt speech.

That night I was humbled at times lost for words at being surrounded by men and women whose own stories of incredible bravery while serving this country.

Dr Spencer Jones, Tom Bromley, Paul Garlington and David Saul.

The Sebastopol Project and Sergeant Johnson Gideon Beharry VC

The Sebastopol Project, authors, public figures, The Victoria Cross and George Cross Association and Combat Stress.

The book was launched and there then followed a drinks reception and a chance for everyone to meet each other and listen to stories and enjoy the launch evening and obtain a copy of On Courage.

On Courage is officially launched.

Chief Superintendent James Wallace Beaton GC CVO

Chief Superintendent James Wallace Beaton GC CVO received the George Cross for protecting Princess Anne in March 1974. While Princess Anne was being driven down the Mall back to Buckingham Palace the car was stopped and an attempted Kidnap of the Princess was stopped by Inspector Beaton was shot three times including serious wounds to his chest and abdomen when he placed his own body in front of the kidnapper’s weapon.

Sergeant Johnson Gideon Beharry VC

Sergeant Johnson Gideon Beharry VC was awarded the Victoria Cross the highest award military award for valour in 2005 by Her Majesty the Queen for saving the lives of his unit 1^st Battalion The Princess of Wales Royal Regiment on two occasions in 2004, he sustained serious head injuries during the second engagement.

Lady Dodd, Baroness Hale, Margaret Macmillan, Dame Katherine Grainger and Kate Adie.

 

Tom Bromley, Author

Paul Garlington, Author

Lady Dodd

Lady Dodd the wife on the Late Sir Ken Dodd who made a contribution to On Courage with the story of Norman Jackson VC.

On Courage Launch

My thanks must go to Kate Klevitt at Four-Colman Getty, for all the incredible help and assistance and everyone at The Sebastopol Project and The Victoria Cross and George Cross Association for a deeply moving and inspirational book launch.

On Courage is available now via Waterstones and also Amazon with proceeds going to two charities in Combat Stress and also The Victoria Cross and George Cross Association.