Victoria Cross

UK Victoria Cross ribbon bar

Victoria Cross, second award bar

Holland VC f&b

William johnstone victoria cross

VCstone

StormingSikandarBagh

Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system. It is awarded for valor "in the face of the enemy" to members of the British Armed Forces. It may be awarded posthumously. The VC was introduced on 29 January 1856 by Queen Victoria to honour acts of valour during the Crimean War. Since then, the medal has been awarded 1,358 times to 1,355 individual recipients. The traditional explanation of the source of the gunmetal from which the medals are struck is that it derives from Russian guns captured at the siege of Sevastopol. However, research has suggested that the metal for the medals comes from diverse sources, not just captured Russian equipment.

Origins and History

The Victoria Cross was introduced to reward acts of valour during the Crimean War, an international conflict that pitted the United Kingdom, the Ottoman Empire, Sardinia, and France against Russia. Before the VC, there was no formal system in place to recognize bravery in the British forces. The medal was instituted by Royal Warrant under the reign of Queen Victoria, who took a personal interest in its design and presentation.

Design

The medal is a cross pattée, with the obverse bearing a lion statant guardant on the royal crown, with the words For Valour on a semi-circular scroll. The reverse features a circular panel on which the date of the act for which the VC is awarded is engraved. The ribbon is crimson, and it is worn on the left chest. The VC is unique in that it is awarded to individuals regardless of rank.

Eligibility and Criteria

The Victoria Cross is awarded for most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy. Members of the military of any rank in any service and civilians under military command are eligible for the award. Since the VC is awarded for acts "in the face of the enemy", it cannot be awarded for acts of bravery not within sight of the enemy.

Notable Recipients

Among the most notable recipients of the Victoria Cross are Lance Corporal William Harold Coltman, the most decorated non-commissioned officer of the British Army in World War I, and Captain Noel Godfrey Chavasse, one of only three people to have been awarded the VC twice (a "VC and Bar").

Administration

The VC is administered by the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood at St. James's Palace, London. The award is always presented by the British monarch during an investiture at Buckingham Palace, although in certain circumstances, it can be awarded in the field by senior military commanders.

Cultural Significance

The Victoria Cross holds a special place in British and Commonwealth military history and culture. It symbolizes the highest standards of bravery and sacrifice in military service. The award's prestige is such that it takes precedence over all other orders, decorations, and medals, including the Knighthood.

See Also

• List of Victoria Cross recipients
• George Cross, for acts of bravery not in the face of the enemy
• Military awards and decorations of the United Kingdom