What is the Victoria Cross?
Q: What is the Victoria Cross?
A: The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest military medal given for bravery "in the face of the enemy" to members of the defence forces of Commonwealth countries, and former British Empire territories. It is more important than all other orders, decorations and medals.
Q: Who can be awarded a VC?
A: A VC may be given to a person of any rank in any service (army, navy or air force) or anyone working for the military.
Q: How is a VC presented?
A: A VC is usually presented to the person, or a family member if they were killed, by the British monarch during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. It can also be presented by the Governor-General for awards made by other Commonwealth countries.
Q: How does it compare with other medals?
A: The VC is higher in importance than other medals and would be worn first by someone who had been given both it and another medal (which has not happened).
Q: When was it first introduced?
A: The VC was begun on 29 January 1856 by Queen Victoria for acts of bravery during the Crimean War.
Q: How many times has it been awarded since then? A: The VC has been awarded 1,356 times to 1,353 people since its introduction.
Q: Has it been awarded often since World War II? A: Since World War II only 13 medals have been presented - nine to members of the British Army and four to members of the Australian Army.
