When - and if - I can induce old soldiers to talk about their medals, they all say the same thing - That they had seen a dozen acts of outstanding courage every day, but they were just "in the right place at the right time."

Medals are awarded for acts of outstanding courage (immediate) or continued periods of outstanding service (periodic) . Often a whole section or platoon of men deserved to recognised but often it was only the Officer or Senior NCO who was rewarded.

Dunkirk produced thousands of acts of selfless courage. The men who defended "The Perimeter" so that the BEF could escape from the beaches, giving up their freedom and often their lives, all deserved a medal for their courage.