About George Cross Heroes, the TV series

Following on from the success of Victoria Cross Heroes and Special Forces Heroes, George Cross Heroes, tells some of the most compelling and extraordinary stories of courage.

When confronted by terrifying infernos, murderous criminals or unexploded bombs, only a select few, the bravest of the brave, are prepared to put their lives on the line for the sake of those around them.

George Cross Heroes, a four-part series for Discovery History, charts the exceptional stories of some of the men, women, soldiers and civilians who have received Britain and the Commonwealth’s highest gallantry award outside of military conflict. Recognising great personal risks taken in the midst of life-or-death situations, just 161 people have been awarded the medal since its inception in 1940.

Hosted by Lord Ashcroft, produced by Dangerous Films and supported by the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association, George Cross Heroes uses compelling interviews, rarely-seen archive and gritty reconstruction in celebrating the breath-taking achievements of eight individuals. Soldiers, police officers, a heroic teenage boy and a fearless air stewardess are honoured in a first-of-its type production, supported at every level by Lord Ashcroft, one of the world’s foremost collectors of elite medals.

This landmark series coincides with the opening of the new Lord Ashcroft Gallery at the Imperial War Museum following a £5million donation by Lord Ashcroft.

The new gallery will house the Extraordinary Heroes exhibition containing the world’s largest collection of Victoria Crosses (VCs), which has been established by Lord Ashcroft since 1986. The 164 awards, which range from the Crimean to the Falklands wars, will go on public display for the first time alongside 48 VCs and 31 George Crosses (GCs) already held by the Museum.

George Cross Heroes is on Discovery History on Thursdays at 10.00pm from 18th November Sky 522 Virgin TV 217.

Buy the George Cross Heroes book