Victoria Cross for Australia

Victoria Cross for Australia. It is the pre-eminent award for acts of bravery in wartime within the Australian honours system, created as a separate entity from the original British Victoria Cross. The decoration is awarded for the most conspicuous gallantry in the presence of the enemy to members of the Australian Defence Force. Instituted in 1991, it maintains the legendary status and identical criteria of its imperial predecessor while symbolising Australian sovereignty.

History and establishment

The establishment of a distinct Australian version followed a broader movement towards national symbols independent of the United Kingdom, paralleling earlier creations like the Order of Australia. Prior to its institution, Australians were eligible for the imperial Victoria Cross, with 96 awards earned in conflicts from the Second Boer War through the Vietnam War. The decision to create a separate award was announced by the Australian government in 1991, with letters patent signed by Governor-General Bill Hayden on 15 January 1991. This change was part of a suite of reforms to the Australian honours system, ensuring that the nation’s highest military honour remained relevant and under Australian prerogative. The move was influenced by the evolving constitutional relationship with the British Crown and the desire for a fully independent suite of national awards.

Design and specifications

The physical appearance of the Victoria Cross for Australia is identical to that of the original British Victoria Cross, preserving its iconic design and immense symbolic value. The cross is crafted from the bronze of Cannons captured from the Russian Army at the Siege of Sevastopol during the Crimean War. It is a Maltese Cross pattée, measuring 41mm by 38mm, with a Royal Crown surmounted by a lion positioned at the centre. The inscription "FOR VALOUR" appears on a semi-circular scroll below the crown. The reverse of the cross is plain, with the date of the act of bravery engraved on the rear of the suspension bar. The ribbon is crimson, 38mm wide, and is worn before all other Australian honours and decorations in the order of wear.

Recipients and citations

Since its inception, the Victoria Cross for Australia has been awarded on five occasions, all for actions during the War in Afghanistan as part of Australia's commitment to the International Security Assistance Force. The first recipient was Corporal Mark Donaldson, recognised for his actions in 2008 in Oruzgan Province, where he deliberately drew enemy fire to allow wounded comrades to be evacuated. Corporal Ben Roberts-Smith received the award for storming enemy positions under heavy fire during the Battle of Tizak in 2010. Corporal Daniel Keighran was honoured for his courage in a protracted engagement in 2010 in Uruzgan Province, repeatedly exposing himself to draw fire. The two posthumous awards were to Sapper Cameron Baird for his actions during an assault in 2013, and to Corporal Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient Victoria Cross recipient