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Warfare History

15 Reasons Why Many Tommies Actually Loved WWI

Darren May 22, 2026 6 min

10. Opportunities for Heroism and Recognition

10. Opportunities for Heroism and Recognition
Medals and honors inspire pride and valor, exemplified by Lieutenant Colonel Ryder’s Victoria Cross.

The prospect of medals, promotion, and recognition for bravery provided real incentive and pride. Soldiers recounted the thrill of being recognized for their deeds, as described in the Victoria Cross and military honors archive. For instance, the Imperial War Museums’ collection includes the Victoria Cross awarded to Lieutenant Colonel Robert Edward Ryder of the Middlesex Regiment for his actions during the Battle of Thiepval in 1916. (iwm.org.uk)

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Darren

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