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| Victoria Cross (Commonwealth) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Victoria Cross |
| Caption | The Victoria Cross medal |
| Presenter | Monarch of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth realms |
| Type | Military decoration |
| Awarded for | "most conspicuous bravery" in presence of the enemy |
| Status | Awarded |
| Established | 1856 |
Victoria Cross (Commonwealth) The Victoria Cross is the pre-eminent military decoration instituted in 1856 to recognise extraordinary valour during the Crimean War, the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and subsequent campaigns involving British and Commonwealth forces. It has been awarded to members of the British Army, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and forces of Commonwealth countries, becoming a symbol associated with actions at battles such as the Battle of Balaclava, Gallipoli Campaign, and the Normandy landings.
The decoration was created by Queen Victoria after public debate over gallantry awards following sieges like Sevastopol and engagements involving the Honourable East India Company. Early recipients included soldiers from regiments such as the 53rd Regiment of Foot and sailors from ships engaged in the Black Sea theatre. The institution of the award intersected with reforms led by figures like Edward Cardwell and influenced by reports from administrators such as Sir Harry Smith. During the Second Boer War and First World War, the VC became a focal point for national narratives alongside figures like Field Marshal Douglas Haig and Admiral John Jellicoe. Later conflicts including the Korean War, Falklands War, and operations in Afghanistan resulted in further awards and debates involving prime ministers such as Winston Churchill and Harold Wilson.
The medal, struck from gunmetal reputedly taken from guns captured at Sevastopol, bears the inscription "For Valour" and features a lion and crown motif influenced by designers in the Royal Mint and artists advising Buckingham Palace. Its dimensions, suspension, and ribbon colour were specified in warrants issued under the Royal Warrant system. Eligibility criteria historically specified "in the presence of the enemy" and applied across ranks from privates in regiments like the Coldstream Guards to officers commanding vessels such as HMS Victory—later clarifications encompassed actions by aircrews of the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Air Force. Amendments over time addressed questions of posthumous awards and eligibility for colonial forces represented by units like the Indian Army and Royal Canadian Navy.
Recommendations for the Victoria Cross originate in operational chains of command and pass through commanders associated with formations such as 5th Infantry Division and fleets like the Grand Fleet, before consideration by ministries such as the War Office or the Ministry of Defence and final approval by the sovereign. Investiture ceremonies have been held at residences including Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, often presided over by monarchs such as Edward VII and Elizabeth II. In orders of wear, the VC takes precedence above decorations such as the Distinguished Service Order, Military Cross, and campaign medals including the 1914 Star. Records are maintained in institutional collections like the Imperial War Museum and regimental museums such as the National Army Museum.
Recipients span conflicts and nationalities, including individuals like Private Henry Tandey in the First World War, Lieutenant Colonel Neville Thornton (example), and naval figures such as Commander Arthur Wilson—each associated with citations describing courage at actions like the Gallipoli Campaign and the Battle of Jutland. Famous awardees include members of units such as the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, the Australian Imperial Force, and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. Collective actions leading to multiple VCs involved engagements like the Relief of Ladysmith and the Somme offensive, and later singular acts in theatres such as Korea and Iraq produced citations scrutinized by historians at institutions including the British Library and the National Archives.
Over the 20th century, several Commonwealth realms established their own honours systems, producing national equivalents and retaining or replacing the VC. Countries such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand introduced decorations like the Victoria Cross for Australia, the Victoria Cross (Canada), and the Victoria Cross for New Zealand as part of broader honours reforms led by governments including those of Robert Menzies and John Diefenbaker. Other realms, including India and South Africa, developed distinct awards such as the Param Vir Chakra and the Honoris Crux, reflecting constitutional changes and debates in parliaments like the House of Commons and legislatures in capitals such as Canberra and Ottawa.
Controversies have arisen over the provenance of the metal used for the medal, claims examined by researchers at the Royal Armouries and debated in the House of Lords, and over the criteria for award during asymmetric conflicts like operations in Northern Ireland and counterinsurgency campaigns in Malaya. Debates over posthumous awards led to statutory revisions under successive imperial and national Royal Warrants; inquiries and appeals have involved figures such as veterans' organizations and MPs from parties like the Conservative Party and the Labour Party. Revisions to allow awards to eligible Commonwealth citizens and to address historical omissions have been pursued through petitions lodged with institutions including the Privy Council and discussed in media outlets covering military honours.
Category:Military awards and decorations of the United Kingdom