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The only explanation that I can give in all three cases (having reviewed the synopses of their deeds in the above-mentioned book) is that the enemy was not present. *Had Subramanian thrown himself upon a grenade thrown by an enemy soldier to save his comrade, then the VC would have been considered. I agree that the degree of self-sacrifice is the same (if not greater, apparently three USMC Medal of Honor winners survived throwing themselves on live grenades!), yet the technicality of the enemy not actually being present precludes the award of the VC.
There were instances in the 19th century of VCs being awarded when the enemy was not present *under the provisions of a Warrant which was in effect from 1858 until 1881. Later warrants re-stressed the necessity for the enemy to be present.
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That's the answer I expected, Liz, but let's up the ante. *Take two Canadian R.C.A.F. V.C.s - Mynarski and Hornell. *In both cases their aircraft were hit by enemy fire, but it was their efforts
after action was broken off that, in my opinion, won them the V.C. *You can bet that the enemy was not very far away from those Italian minefields. *They should have received the V.C.
And grenades raise a very interesting distinction - if you throw yourself on an enemy grenade it's a V.C. - but if you throw yourself on the grenade your mate was throwing at the enemy (L/Nk. Islam-ud-Din 6/9th Jat Regt.?) you get the G.C.