The Victoria Cross (VC) was Great Britain’s first medal for bravery. It was introduced in 1856 with its first recipients having fought in the Crimean War. During the First World War alone, 642 VC’s were awarded to 641 recipients. This is the highest number of medals awarded during any conflict.
The Victoria Cross is awarded for “… most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice, or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy”
Below are outlined the stories behind some of these medals.
Description: A cross pattée in bronze. The obverse of the medal (shown here) bears a lion statant gardant on the royal crown, with the words ‘FOR VALOUR’ on a semi-circular scroll. The reverse bears a circular panel inside which is engraved the date of the act for which the decoration was awarded. The reverse of the suspender is engraved with the rank, name and ship, regiment or squadron of the recipient. Clasp. A bronze bar ornamented with laurels may be issued to VC holders performing a further act of such bravery which would have merited award of the VC. Ribbon. Plain crimson. Prior to 1918, a dark blue ribbon had been issued for the Royal Navy. When the ribbon alone is worn a replica of the cross in miniature is affixed to the centre of the ribbon.
Private Thomas Barratt
July 1917
Private John Leak
July 1916
Captain Gerald Robert O’Sullivan
Gallipoli Campaign – July 1915
Lance Corporal Samuel Frickleton
June 1917
Company Sergeant Major Nelson Carter
June 1916
2nd Lieutenant Herbert James
Gallipoli Campaign – June and July 1915
Cpl George Julian “Snowy” Howell
Attack on the Hindenburg Line – May 1917
Private Robert Edward Cruickshank
May 1918
Boy 1st Class John Cornwell
Battle of Jutland – May 1916
Private John Lynn
Second Battle of Ypres – May 1915
Private James Fynn
April 1916
Lance Corporal James Hewitson
April 1918
Captain Francis Scrimger
Second Battle of Ypres – April 1915
Lieutenant Donald Mackintosh
Battle of Arras – April 1917
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