1917: Following the initial successes of the Arras offensive, including the capture of Vimy Ridge, British and Commonwealth troops attacked further south at Bullecourt.

However, despite tank support, they failed to enjoy equal success. Australian troops suffered their worst ever day of casualties on the Western Front: one brigade alone lost over 2,300 men from a strength of 3,000.

Lieutenant Mackintosh of The Seaforth Highlanders suffered a shattered leg whilst leading his men forward in an attack, but managed to stagger on; his men took the trench. He then reinforced the survivors with men from another company who had lost their officers, to consolidate the defence. He was wounded again and unable to stand, but nevertheless continued in command, driving off a German counter-attack. With only 15 men left, he then prepared to resume the advance, but as he dragged himself out of the trench, he was killed.

Elsewhere, a two-man team from the Machine-Gun Corps manhandled their weapon into a position very close to the German lines, from where they were able to bring heavy and effective fire to bear. However, their position was exposed and vulnerable, and the Number 2 on the gun was quickly killed. The other man, Lance-Corporal Mugford, was severely wounded, but remained in action and refused treatment for his wounds, even after another shell left both his legs broken. When at length he consented to be evacuated, he suffered a further wound on the way to the dressing station. Both Mackintosh and Mugford were awarded the Victoria Cross.

1918: Fighting back against the German spring offensive, a fierce action was fought at Vieux Berquin, where two VCs were won. Captain Pryce, Grenadier Guards, led a successful attack which took a village. He and his men successfully held it overnight, but then faced a day of repeated German assaults. By the evening, his command had fallen to just 17 men, with ammunition exhausted. A final German attack overran the position, and Pryce was seen to fall fighting with the bayonet, completely outnumbered.

Lieutenant-Colonel Forbes-Robertson of The Border Regiment also distinguished himself in the area, working ceaselessly to shore up the British line. Over two days he undertook repeated reconnaissance work along the positions on horseback, with a complete disregard for his personal safety, twice having his horse shot from under him.

1940: Following the German invasion of Norway, RAF Bomber Command undertook its first raid against a target on mainland Europe, having previously been constrained politically to attack only ships at sea and a seaplane base on the island of Sylt. The target was Sola airfield at Stavanger, focus of much Luftwaffe activity. Six Wellingtons from 115 Squadron were sent in daylight: three managed to attack, but one of the other aircraft was lost to fighters.