October's main meeting had Ian Binnie speaking on the victoria crosses awarded during WWI to those in the local Warwickshire regiment.

The VC is the highest and most prestigious decoration of the British decorations system. It is awarded for "... most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or preeminent act of valour or self sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy". 628 were awarded though WWI.

Ian gave the biographies of 5 such recipients such as lance-corporal William Amey born in Duddeston, Birmingham and buried in Leamington cemetery. He was awarded the VC for attacking hostile machine-gun nests in 1918 at Landrecies, France. The most local connection was with private Arthur Hutt born in Earlsdon and commemorated in the war memorial Park and with a plaque at Canley crematorium for actions during the battle of Passchendaele. As the first person born in Coventry to receive the VC he was given the freedom of the city and £500.

The stories illustrated some incredible acts of courage by very real people under extreme conditions but also highlighted how the awarding could be influenced by factors such as class or being under orders.

There was also the opportunity for donatations for cake in support of Macmillan Cancer support.