The dedication of this book will jolt the memories of those old enough to remember 70+ years back: it is to the crew of HM Submarine Thetis which sank with a loss of ninety-nine lives during acceptance trials in Liverpool Bay on 1st June 1939. In this book the authors set out to summarize the existing practice of the State and of public and other bodies in this or other countries in rewarding acts of gallantry whether in peace or in war. It is interesting that in discussing British gallantry awards they make a case for a Conspicuous Gallantry Cross to replace the DSC, MC and DFC as an award for officers of the three Services; this award was actually instituted in 1995, but for all ranks of all three Services, the first going to a corporal in Bosnia in May 1995.