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In October 1915 what unusual event befell First World War Royal Navy Victoria Cross winner George Samson, in his native Carnoustie, Scotland?

Wearing civilian clothing, he was on his way to a civic ceremony to recognise his being awarded the highest decoration awarded for bravery in the British Empire, when a woman handed him a white feather. This was the symbol that was given to men who were assumed to have shirked their obligation to enlist, and therefore were cowards.

Source: The Daily Mail, May 11, 2014

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