Medals Database > By Country > Great Britain, Canada

The Victoria Cross

Time Period: Pre-WW1, The Great War, Interwar Period, WW2, Post-WW2
Institution: 29 January 1856
Country: Great Britain

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest award of the United Kingdom honors system. It is awarded for gallantry “in the presence of the enemy” to members of the British armed forces, and it can be awarded posthumously.

Since the first awards were presented by Queen Victoria in 1857, two-thirds of all awards have been personally presented by the British monarch, usually at Buckingham Palace. Before the Crimean War (when it was introduced), there was no official standardized system for recognition of gallantry within the British armed forces.

A single company of jewelers, Hancocks of London, has been responsible for the production of every VC awarded since its inception.

Since its establishment, the Victoria Cross has been awarded approximately 1,360 times to individuals or groups of recipients. The medal has been awarded for actions in various conflicts and wars, including World War I, World War II, and more recent conflicts. Recipients come from a diverse range of military backgrounds and countries within the Commonwealth. A total of 1,358 Victoria Crosses have been awarded since 1856 to 1,355 men.

The History of the Victoria Cross

The Victoria Cross was established on January 29, 1856, during the reign of Queen Victoria.

It was introduced by a Royal Warrant to recognize acts of valor by members of the British military during the Crimean War (1854-1856). The VC was intended to honor acts of bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of the enemy.

Eligibility of the Victoria Cross

The Victoria Cross is awarded for most conspicuous bravery or acts of valor in the presence of the enemy. It can be awarded to members of the British armed forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as to civilians serving with military forces.

The VC is a rare and prestigious award, with recipients demonstrating exceptional courage and selflessness in combat.

The Victoria Cross Design

The Victoria Cross is a bronze straight-armed cross pattee measuring 38 mm across, with raised edges.

On the obverse, it bears a lion guardant standing upon the Royal Crown, and below the Crown, a scroll bearing the inscription “PRO VALORE”. On the reverse is the date of the act for which the decoration is bestowed is engraved in a raised circle.

The Cross is suspended by means of a plain link from a V below a straight bar ornamented with laurel leaves.

The ribbon is crimson and measures 38 millimeters in width.