Themes
Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross (RNM)
Medal facts -
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The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military award in the British Honours system.
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The King or Queen awards it in recognition of acts of exceptional gallantry.
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Any service personnel in Britain and the Commonwealth could win the VC.
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Civilians under military command also qualified.
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The ribbon of the VC is crimson, but until 1918 the Navy received a blue ribbon.
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Queen Victoria created the VC in 1856 for men of the Royal Navy and British Army who had performed an act of valour or devotion to their country whilst in combat.
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All holders of the Victoria Cross below commissioned rank - not officers - received an additional pension.
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In 1902 King Edward VII allowed the VC to be awarded 'posthumously' - after death.
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King George V allowed officers and men of the Indian Army to receive it in 1911.
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Soon the award extended to include the Royal Air Force and nursing personnel, serving under the armed forces.
Read Jack Mantle 's biography for details of a VC winner
