The Valour and the Horror series is generally regarded as sound theatre, but lacking in terms of documentary discipline. It has faced allegations that some of the points it implies are just plain wrong. The reliance on oral testimony from a small group of veterans fifty years after the war, combined with the inclusion of "interviews" portrayed to be as if written by soldiers at the time compromises its historic validity. In addition, some of the most serious allegations are not supported by the historical and archival evidence (especially those relating to sending Canadian troops to Hong Kong). A fine piece of reenactment, but it should come with disclaimers detailing which parts are modern ad-lib and which are actual history.
The controversy resulting from the Valour and the Horror has ensured the McKenna's more recent work is less sizzle more steak.