Victoria Cross

The highest British decoration for 'conspicuous bravery or devotion to the country in the presence of the enemy'. It was founded by Queen Victoria towards the conclusion of the Crimean War (1856) and has been cast from the metal of Russian guns taken at Sevastopol, save for brief periods during the two World Wars. It consists of a Maltese cross made of bronze, bearing in the centre the royal crown surmounted by a lion, and with the scroll superscribed 'For Valour'. In 1920 the blue ribbon of Royal Navy VC awards was changed to crimson to conform with the other Services. The winning of the VC carries with it a tax-free annuity. A Royal Warrant of 1920 extends eligibility to women of military nursing services and to civilians of either sex when serving under naval, military or air authorities. The number of VC awards made during the First World War was 633. Of this number 173 were posthumous awards. The number of VC awards made during the Second World War was 182 of which 82 were posthumous awards.

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