1812: An action was fought at Fort Detroit during the British-American war of 1812-14. In July 1812, Brigadier-General Hull invaded Canada with 2,500 US troops, calling on the Canadians to join the United States. However, in the face of some 100 British regulars, 300 Canadian militia, and Indian allies led by Tecumseh, Hull retreated back across the Detroit river on 11 August. Attacked in Fort Detroit on 16 August by Major General Brock and Tecumseh, Hull surrendered, despite still enjoying a significant numerical advantage.

1880: In Afghanistan, Lieutenant Chase and Private Ashford rescued a wounded man under heavy fire, and managed to carry him to safety. Both received the Victoria Cross.

1917: In Belgium, a fresh British offensive was launched at Langemarck during the Third Battle of Ypres. The German defenders included one Adolf Hitler. The initial attack, launched behind a creeping barrage, proved successful by Western Front standards, with the village retaken and the British troops advancing half a mile beyond. Five VCs were won that day:

Company Quartermaster-Sergeant Grimbaldeston, King's Own Scottish Borderers
Sergeant Cooper, King's Royal Rifle Corps
Lance Corporal Room, Royal Irish Regiment
Private Edwards, King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry
Private Brown, Alberta Regiment (posthumous)

1940: Heavy Luftwaffe attacks continued along the south coast. The air defences claimed some 72 victories; 22 RAF fighters were lost. Flight Lieutenant James Nicholson, 249 Squadron RAF, attacked and shot down a German aircraft near Gosport, despite having a head wound and his Hurricane already being on fire. Baling out badly burnt, he then endured shots fired by over-zealous members of the Home Guard, which killed another RAF pilot also parachuting to the ground. Nicholson was awarded the only Victoria Cross won by Fighter Command during the Second World War. He died in a flying accident in May 1945.

1944: An attack by a company of the Welch Regiment on German positions in Normandy suffered very heavy casualties from enemy fire and booby-traps. The only surviving officer, Lieutenant Watkins, took command, and although his effective strength had been reduced to just 30 men, led them in a successful charge against nearly twice as many opponents. However, the company then found itself isolated. Before withdrawing, Watkins personally eliminated a dangerous enemy machine-gun position, then skilfully extracted his men during the night. He received the Victoria Cross.