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The highest gallantry award for civilians, as well as for members
of the armed forces in actions for which purely military honours would not
normally be granted. It superseded the Empire Gallantry Medal whose
holders were then required to return it and receive the GC in exchange. By
warrent of December 1971 surviving recipients of the Albert and Edward Medals
were also invited to exchange their awards for the GC - a move which created
a controversy which is still continuing, particularly among those who received
the Albert Medal. Perhaps the most famous cross was that conferred on the
island of Malta in recognition of its gallantry during the Second World War.
BAR
A bar was to be awarded for additional acts of gallantry; none were ever
issued.
DESCRIPTION
A silver Geneva Cross, 1.8 inches wide.
OBVERSE
In the centre of the cross is a circular medallion showing St. George slaying
the dragon and around this an annulus bearing the legend FOR GALLANTRY. In
the angle of each limb of the cross, the Royal Cypher GVI forming a circle
concentric with the medallion.
REVERSE
The reverse is plain except for the naming.
A straight silver, laurel bar, slotted for the ribbon, with a ring lug below,
made in one piece is joined to the cross by a small silver ring which passes
through the ring lugs of the bar and the top of the medal.
The name, rank and service (serial number for those not commissioned) and
the date of notification in the London Gazette are shown on the reverse of
the cross.
The garter blue ribbon is 1.5 inches wide. A miniature cross is worn on the
ribbon in undress. Women may wear their cross from a bow.
The George Cross was created on 24 September 1940 and published in the London
Gazette on 31 January 1941.
142 awards since 1940
There have been 10 crosses awarded to Canadians
METAL
Silver
SIZE
Height 48mm; Max Width 45mm
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