Date
Instituted: 1940.
Description: Plain bordered cross with circular disc in the centre within which
is the effigy of St. George and the Dragon surrounded by the inscription
'FOR GALLANTRY'. Between each arm of the cross is the Royal cypher
'GVI'. The reverse is plain except for the name of the recipient and
the date of the award. The suspender bar is straight being decorated
with laurel wreaths and attached to the cross with a small metal
loop.
Metal: Silver.
Size: 48mm high and 45mm wide.
Bars: Bars are authorised for subsequent awards.
| Ribbon: |
 |
Naming: Engraved
in the centre of the reverse with the date of
the award.
Post-Nominal
Letters: GC.
Comments: Second only to the Victoria Cross in precedence, but of equal status, the George Cross is the highest award that can be given to civilians or military personnel for acts of gallantry for which a military award would not be made. The GC superseded the Empire Gallantry Medal whose recipients could return their medals and exchange them for a GC. In 1971 those who had previously been awarded the Albert or Edward Medal could also make an exchange. Collectors however prefer 'non-exchanged' awards of the GC and so command higher prices.
The
most famous of all George Cross awards is that to the island of
Malta for the gallantry shown by the Maltese during the Second World
War. Despite heavy bombing and blockades by Axis forces Malta never
fell to the enemy. |
