Distinguished Flying Cross

Distinguished Flying Cross. The Distinguished Flying Cross is a military decoration awarded to officers, and since 1993 to all ranks, of the British Armed Forces for acts of valour, courage, or devotion to duty performed while flying in active operations against an enemy. Instituted in 1918 during the final year of the First World War, it was originally created to recognise the gallantry of pilots and observers in the newly formed Royal Air Force. The award occupies a significant place in the hierarchy of British honours, sitting below the Distinguished Service Order but above the Military Cross in order of precedence.

History

The decoration was established by royal warrant on 3 June 1918, a recognition of the unprecedented demands and bravery exhibited in aerial warfare during the First World War. Its creation followed the formation of the Royal Air Force on 1 April 1918, which amalgamated the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service. Early recipients were often veterans of famous aerial campaigns over the Western Front, such as those involved in the Battle of the Somme or defending against The Blitz in later conflicts. The award's criteria were later extended to include the Second World War, where it was bestowed upon thousands of aircrew from the RAF, Fleet Air Arm, and allied forces for missions during the Battle of Britain, the Dam Busters Raid, and the Bombing of Dresden. Subsequent actions in conflicts like the Korean War, the Falklands War, and more recent operations in Afghanistan and Iraq have seen the award continue to be issued.

Criteria and eligibility

The award is granted for an act or acts of valour, courage, or devotion to duty performed whilst flying in active operations against the enemy. Originally exclusive to commissioned officers in the Royal Air Force, eligibility was later extended to all ranks of the RAF and, following a 1993 review of the honours system, to officers of the Royal Navy and British Army for aerial service. Equivalent awards for non-commissioned officers and other ranks were initially the Distinguished Flying Medal and the Air Force Medal, though these were discontinued in 1993. Recommendations for the award are typically made by a commanding officer and must be approved by senior officials within the Ministry of Defence before being confirmed by the British monarch.

Design and appearance

The cross is a silver cross flory, 2.125 inches wide, with the arms terminating in broad fins. The obverse features, in the centre, a laurel wreath encircling the royal cipher of the reigning monarch; for example, the cipher of King George V (GRV) or Queen Elizabeth II (EIIR). The reverse is plain, except for the year of issue engraved on the lower arm. The cross is suspended from a straight silver bar ornamented with eagle's wings. The ribbon is 1.25 inches wide, with alternating narrow diagonal stripes of violet and white, slanting from left to right. Additional awards are denoted by a silver bar ornamented with an eagle, worn on the ribbon.

Notable recipients

Many celebrated military aviators have received the award, including Douglas Bader, the legendary fighter pilot of the Battle of Britain who flew despite having lost both legs. Leonard Cheshire, a renowned RAF Bomber Command pilot and founder of the Cheshire Homes charity, was also a recipient. Notable figures from the Second World War include Guy Gibson, leader of the Dam Busters Raid, and Johnnie Johnson, the highest-scoring RAF fighter pilot against the Luftwaffe. Later recipients include Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, for his service as a pilot with the RAF Search and Rescue Force, and personnel from the Royal Australian Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force who served under British command.

Order of wear and precedence

In the British honours system, the Distinguished Flying Cross is worn after the Distinguished Service Order and before the Military Cross. For those holding multiple decorations, it is placed in a specific sequence outlined by official statutes from the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood. When worn with other British campaign medals, it generally precedes awards like the Air Force Cross and the Queen's Gallantry Medal. Its position reflects its status as a gallantry award for leadership and bravery in aerial combat, distinct from awards for service on land or at sea such as the Distinguished Service Cross or the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.

Category:Military awards and decorations of the United Kingdom Category:Royal Air Force awards and honours