[aristeides]

I think the VC were motivated by the fact that they were to a large extent fighting for their homeland. People, and animals, will fight much more intensely for their own territory than for other things.

Doesn't guarantee victory, depending on the circumstances. South lost the Civil War. English conquered Ireland (for 900 years or so) and Wales (permanently, at least up to now). Many other counterexamples.

[expatpat]

You are correct, but I didn't claim that being on home ground ensured victory; the issue was relentlessness of the fighters. (Another example for your point is the loss of King Alfred to William the Conqueror in 1066).