Citizendia
Your Ad Here

For other uses, see George Cross (disambiguation).
George Cross



Obverse of the medal. Ribbon: 38 mm, dark blue.
Awarded by Commonwealth Realms
Type Civil decoration. A Commonwealth realm is any one of 16 sovereign states within the Commonwealth of Nations that each have Elizabeth II as their respective Monarch
Eligibility Commonwealth subjects.
Awarded for ". . . acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger. "
Status Currently awarded.
Description Height 48 mm, max. width 45 mm; (Obverse) plain silver cross with circular medallion in the centre depicting the effigy of St. George and the Dragon, surrounded by the words "FOR GALLANTRY". The episode of Saint George and the Dragon appended to the Hagiography of Saint George was Eastern in origin brought back with the Crusaders and retold In the angle of each limb is the Royal Cypher GVI; (Reverse) plain, centre engraved with name of recipient and date of award. A Royal Cypher, or Royal and Imperial Cypher is the sovereign 's Monogram or the initials of their name and title usually surmounted by a crown Cross attached by ring to bar ornamented with laurel leaves, through which the ribbon passes. The Bay Laurel ( Laurus nobilis, Lauraceae) also known as True Laurel, Sweet Bay, Grecian Laurel, Laurel, or
Statistics
Established 24 September 1940
Total awarded 159 (including 2 collective awards)
Posthumous
awards		 86
Distinct
recipients		 159 (including 2 collective awards)
Precedence
Same Victoria Cross
Next (lower) George Medal

The George Cross (GC) is the highest civil decoration of the Commonwealth of Nations. See below the section "Separate Commonwealth awards" Note that since The George Medal ( GM) is the second level Civil decoration of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. A civil decoration is a decoration awarded to civilians for distinguished service [1] The GC is the civilian counterpart of the Victoria Cross and the highest gallantry award for civilians as well as for military personnel in actions which are not in the face of the enemy or for which purely military honours would not normally be granted. See below the section "Separate Commonwealth awards" Note that since [2] However, the VC is higher in order of precedence and would be worn first by an individual who had been awarded both decorations (which has not so far occurred).

Contents

Creation

The GC was instituted on 24 September 1940 by King George VI. Events 622 - Prophet Muhammad completes his hegira from Mecca to Medina. Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. [3] At this time, during the height of The Blitz, there was a strong desire to reward the many acts of civilian courage. The Blitz was the sustained bombing of Britain by Nazi Germany between 7 September 1940 and 10 May 1941 in World War II. The existing awards open to civilians were not judged suitable to meet the new situation, therefore it was decided that the George Cross and the George Medal would be instituted to recognise both civilian gallantry in the face of enemy action and brave deeds more generally.

Announcing the new award, the King said: "In order that they should be worthily and promptly recognised, I have decided to create, at once, a new mark of honour for men and women in all walks of civilian life. I propose to give my name to this new distinction, which will consist of the George Cross, which will rank next to the Victoria Cross, and the George Medal for wider distribution. The George Medal ( GM) is the second level Civil decoration of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. "[4]

The Warrant for the GC (along with that of the GM), dated 24 January 1941, was published in the London Gazette on 31 January 1941. Events 41 - Gaius Caesar (Caligula, known for his eccentricity and cruel Despotism, is Assassinated by his disgruntled Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. [5]

The GC was intended to replace the Empire Gallantry Medal (EGM); all holders of the EGM were instructed to exchange their medals for a GC, a substitution of awards unprecedented in the history of British decorations. The Empire Gallantry Medal, officially the Medal of the Order of the British Empire for Gallantry, was a British award for acts of the highest civilian This substitution policy ignored holders of the Albert Medal (AM) and the Edward Medal (EM), awards which both took precedence over the EGM. This article describes the Albert Medal for Lifesaving. For the Albert Medal for distinguished merit in promoting Arts Manufactures and Commerce The Edward Medal is a British civilian decoration which was instituted by Royal Warrant on 13 July 1907 to recognise acts of bravery of Miners [6] The anomaly was only rectified in 1971, when the surviving recipients of the AM and the EM were invited to exchange their award for the George Cross. Of the 64 holders of the Albert Medal and 68 holders of the Edward Medal eligible to exchange, 49 and 59 respectively took up the option. [7]

Award

The medal, which may be awarded posthumously, is granted in recognition of "acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger. "[8]

The medal is primarily a civilian award; however the George Cross may be awarded to military personnel for gallant conduct which is not in the face of the enemy. [9] As the Warrant states:

The Cross is intended primarily for civilians and award in Our military services is to be confined to actions for which purely military Honours are not normally granted. [10]
George Cross as it appears on Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstones.
George Cross as it appears on Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstones. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission ( CWGC) is a joint governmental organisation responsible for marking and maintaining the graves of members of the Commonwealth

Bars are awarded to the GC in recognition of the performance of further acts of bravery meriting the award, although none have yet been awarded. Recipients are entitled to the postnominal letters GC. [11] In common with the Victoria Cross, a distinction peculiar to these two premier awards for bravery, in undress uniform or on occasions when the medal ribbon alone is worn, a miniature replica of the cross is affixed to the centre of the ribbon. [12]

The details of all awards are published in the London Gazette with the exception of the two collective bestowals.

Recipients

See also: List of George Cross recipients

Since its inception in 1940, the GC has been awarded posthumously to 86 recipients and to 73 living people (excluding the two collective awards to Malta and the Royal Ulster Constabulary). The George Cross ( GC) is the highest Civil decoration of the Commonwealth of Nations. Malta, officially the Republic of Malta (Repubblika ta' Malta is a European Microstate, comprising an Archipelago of three islands The Royal Ulster Constabulary GC was the name of the Police force in Northern Ireland from 1922 to 2001 [7]

Recent recipients

The most recent recipient of the George Cross is Corporal Mark Wright, of the 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment, who died in Helmand Province of Afghanistan on 6 September 2006, after entering a minefield in an attempt to save the lives of other injured soldiers. Corporal Mark William Wright, GC ( 22 April 1979 - 6 September 2006) was a soldier in the British Army. The Parachute Regiment is the Airborne Infantry element of the British Army. Helmand ( هلمند) is one of the 34 Provinces of Afghanistan. Afghanistan /æfˈgænɪstæn/ officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan ( Pashto: د افغانستان اسلامي جمهوریت, Events 3114 BC - According to the Proleptic Julian calendar the current era in the Maya Long Count Calendar started Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. A land mine is an Explosive device designed to be placed on or in the ground to explode when triggered by an operator or the Proximity of a vehicle person He entered the minefield with a small team after another soldier stepped on a landmine. A land mine is an Explosive device designed to be placed on or in the ground to explode when triggered by an operator or the Proximity of a vehicle person While the first casualty was being tended to, further landmines detonated as a landing space was cleared for a CASEVAC attempt, causing severe injuries to several others. Casevac is a Portmanteau word meaning " casualty evacuation" Cpl Wright remained in the minefield, and ordered others out, but he was himself injured by another mine while making his way to the helicopter. He maintained the morale of the other wounded soldiers, despite his serious injuries, but died of his wounds during the flight to the field dressing station. A field hospital is a large mobile medical unit that temporarily takes care of casualties on-site before they can be safely transported to more permanent hospital facilities [13]

Prior to that, the two most recent military recipients of the George Cross were Captain Peter Norton, an Ammunition Technical Officer of the Royal Logistic Corps, for gallantry when, on 24 July 2005, he led a bomb disposal team at the site of an IED attack on a US military patrol in Iraq, sustaining serious injuries. Peter Allen Norton GC (born 10 December 1962) is an Ammunition Technical Officer with the British Army 's Royal Logistic Corps An Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO is an officer of the British Army involved in all aspects of the army's use of ammunition Royal Logistic Corps is the British Army Corps that provides the logistic support for the Army Events 1132 - Battle of Nocera between Ranulf II of Alife and Roger II of Sicily. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Bomb disposal is the process by which hazardous explosive devices are rendered safe An improvised explosive device ( IED) is a Bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional Military action [14] Previously, Trooper Christopher Finney of the Blues and Royals had been awarded the George Cross on 31 October 2003 for gallantry during a friendly fire incident in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Christopher Finney GC (born 23 May 1984 in Brussels, Belgium) is a British Soldier of the Blues and Royals The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons (RHG/D is a cavalry regiment of the British Army, part of the Household Cavalry. Events 445 BC – Ezra reads the Book of the Law to the Israelites in Jerusalem (see Nehemiah 91 NLTse Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. The 2003 invasion of Iraq, from March 20 to May 1 2003 was spearheaded by the United States, backed by British forces and smaller contingents from Australia [15] Finney is also the youngest military recipient of the decoration.

The most recent civilian recipient was Sergeant Stewart Guthrie of the New Zealand Police, who received his award posthumously for his part in apprehending a gunman in the Aramoana massacre in New Zealand. Stewart Graeme Guthrie, GC ( November 22, 1948 – November 13, 1990) of New Zealand is the most recent civilian recipient The New Zealand Police ( Ngā Pirihimana o Aotearoa) is the national Police force of New Zealand, responsible for enforcing criminal and The Aramoana massacre occurred on November 13 and November 14, 1990 in Aramoana, New Zealand. New Zealand is an Island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses (the North Island and the South Island [16]

Female awards

In its history, the GC has been awarded directly to only four women (although a number of others have received the awards superseded by the GC), Odette Sansom,[17] Violette Szabo,[18] and Noor Inayat Khan[19] (all members of FANY, who were awarded the George Cross for actions carried out while serving as agents in the Special Operations Executive (SOE) during World War II), and Barbara Jane Harrison, an Air Stewardess, on a BOAC flight at Heathrow Airport, who died on 8 April 1968 after helping many passengers escape from an onboard fire. Odette Marie Céline Sansom, (née Brailly GC, MBE, Chevalier de la Légion d'honneur, ( 28 April Violette Reine Elizabeth Bushell Szabo, GC (26 June 1921 &ndash c Noor-un-Nisa Inayat Khan, GC, MBE, ( 1 January 1914, Moscow - 13 September 1944, Dachau concentration The First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (Princess Royal's Volunteer Corps (FANY(PRVC - pronounced Fanny) is a British independent all-female unit and Registered The Special Operations Executive ( SOE) (sometimes referred to as "the Baker Street Irregulars " after Sherlock Holmes ' fictional group of helpers World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including Barbara Jane Harrison, GC ( 24 May 1945 &ndash 8 April 1968) was a British Flight attendant. The British Overseas Airways Corporation ( BOAC) was the British state airline from 1939 until 1946 and the long-haul British state airline from 1946 Events 217 - Roman Emperor Caracalla is Assassinated (and succeeded by his Praetorian Year 1968 ( MCMLXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. [20]

Collective awards

The Flag of Malta displays its George Cross
The Flag of Malta displays its George Cross

The George Cross has, on the express instruction of the Sovereign, been awarded twice on a collective basis,[21] to the island of Malta and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (RUC). List of flags of Malta The Flag of Malta is a basic bi-colour with white in the hoist and red in the fly colours from the blazon of the arms of Malta Malta, officially the Republic of Malta (Repubblika ta' Malta is a European Microstate, comprising an Archipelago of three islands The Royal Ulster Constabulary GC was the name of the Police force in Northern Ireland from 1922 to 2001

Malta

Main article: George Cross (Malta)

The GC was awarded to the island of Malta in a letter dated 15 April 1942 from King George VI to the island's Governor Lieutenant-General Sir William Dobbie:

To honour her brave people, I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history. The George Cross was awarded to the island of Malta by King George VI of the United Kingdom in a letter dated 15 April 1942 to the island's Malta, officially the Republic of Malta (Repubblika ta' Malta is a European Microstate, comprising an Archipelago of three islands Events 1450 - Battle of Formigny: Toward the end of the Hundred Years' War, the French attack and nearly annihilate English Year 1942 ( MCMXLII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Lieutenant-General Sir William George Shedden Dobbie ( 12 July, 1879 - 3 October, 1964) GCMG, KCB,

The Governor answered:

By God's help Malta will not weaken but will endure until victory is won.

The cross and the messages are today found in the War Museum in Fort Saint Elmo, Valletta. Fort Saint Elmo is a Fortification in Valletta, Malta. It stands on the seaward shore of the Sciberras Peninsula that divides Marsamxett Harbour Valletta ( Belt Valletta or Città Umilissima) is the capital city of Malta. The fortitude of the population under sustained enemy air raids and a naval blockade which almost saw them starved into submission, won widespread admiration in Britain and other Allied nations. Some historians argue that the award was in fact a propaganda gesture to justify the huge losses sustained by Britain to prevent Malta from capitulating as Singapore had done in the Battle of Singapore. Singapore The Battle of Singapore was fought in the South-East Asian theatre of World War II when the Empire of Japan invaded the Allied stronghold [22]

The George Cross is woven into the Flag of Malta and can be seen wherever the flag is flown. List of flags of Malta The Flag of Malta is a basic bi-colour with white in the hoist and red in the fly colours from the blazon of the arms of Malta

Royal Ulster Constabulary

The GC was awarded to the Royal Ulster Constabulary in 1999 by Queen Elizabeth II following the advice of her Government. For the ship see RMS Queen Elizabeth 2 Elizabeth II (Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Context States headed by Elizabeth II Buckingham Palace announced,

The Queen has awarded the George Cross to the Royal Ulster Constabulary, to honour the courage and dedication of the officers of the Royal Ulster Constabulary and their families who have shared their hardships. Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch.

The Queen paid her own personal tribute to the RUC by presenting the George Cross to the organisation in person at Hillsborough Castle, County Down. Hillsborough Castle is an official government residence in Northern Ireland. County Down, ( Ulster Scots: Coontie Doun. is one of the nine counties that form the province of Ulster and one of six counties that form

The citation published in the London Gazette on November 23, 1999 states:

For the past 30 years, the Royal Ulster Constabulary has been the bulwark against, and the main target of, a sustained and brutal terrorism campaign. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 800 - Charlemagne arrives at Rome to investigate the alleged crimes of Year 1999 ( MCMXCIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1999 Gregorian calendar) The Force has suffered heavily in protecting both sides of the community from danger—302 officers have been killed in the line of duty and thousands more injured, many seriously. Many officers have been ostracised by their own community and others have been forced to leave their homes in the face of threats to them and their families. As Northern Ireland reaches a turning point in its political development this award is made to recognise the collective courage and dedication to duty of all of those who have served in the Royal Ulster Constabulary and who have accepted the danger and stress this has brought to them and to their families.

Two years later (on 4 November 2001), the RUC was renamed and is now the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Events 1333 - Flood of the Arno River, causing massive damage in Florence as recorded by the Florentine chronicler Giovanni Villani Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. The Police Service of Northern Ireland is the Police service that covers Northern Ireland.

Awards by nation

There have been 10 GCs awarded to Canadians (including those by substitution for awards superseded by the GC): eight military, one Merchant Navy, and one woman. Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The GC is no longer awarded to Canadians by the Queen of Canada, who awards the Cross of Valour (Canadian) instead. TalkCommonewalth realm.-->The monarchy of The Cross of Valour (official post-nominal letters CV) is the highest ranking of the Canadian Bravery Decorations, and is awarded for acts of conspicuous courage in

Australia

Memorial to Australian recipients, George Cross Park, Canberra
Memorial to Australian recipients, George Cross Park, Canberra

14 George Crosses were awarded to Australians between 1940 and 1978, five of this total going to civilians. In alphabetical order the Australian GC recipients are:

Of the 14, four awards were made to officers of the Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve (Goldsworthy, Gosse, Mould and Syme) who served in the extremely dangerous role of mine disposal during World War II. Eric George Bailey GC, ( 14 October 1906 – 12 January 1946) was a Sergeant with the New South Wales Police Force who was The New South Wales Police Force (NSW Police Force previously New South Wales Police Service & New South Wales Police is the primary Law enforcement agency in the State of Raymond Tasman Donoghue ( 10 December 1920 – 29 April 1960) was an Australian Tram driver posthumously awarded the Errol John Emanuel ( 13 December 1918 – 19 August 1971) a District Commissioner in the East New Britain district of Papua New Guinea Papua New Guinea (or ˈpæpjuːə in Tok Pisin: Papua Niugini) officially the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, is a country in Oceania Leon Verdi Goldsworthy GC, DSC, GM (19 January 1909 &ndash 7 August 1994 was a distinguished Australian bomb and mine specialist in the Lieutenant George Gosse, a mine clearance specialist in the R Private Benjamin Gower Hardy was posthumously awarded the George Cross for the gallantry he showed when Japanese prisoners of war staged an escape attempt on the 5 August 1944 Private Ralph Jones ( 26 September 1900 – 5 August 1944) was an Australian soldier who was posthumously awarded the George Cross Horace William Madden GC ( 14 February, 1924 - 6 November, 1951) was a posthumous Australian recipient of the George Cross The Korean War refers to a period of military conflict between North Korean and South Korean regimes with major hostilities lasting from June 25 1950 until the Captain Lionel Colin Matthews, GC, MC ( -) was an Australian Army Signals Corps officer awarded the George Cross in recognition of gallant and distinguished Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is located at the centre of Maritime Southeast Asia. John Stuart Mould GC, GM (1910 - 1957 was an Australian recipient of the George Cross. Michael Kenneth Pratt (born 15 November 1954 GC is constable no Victoria Police is the primary Law enforcement agency of Victoria, Australia. Chief Petty Officer Jonathan Rogers GC, DSM ( 16 September, 1920 - 10 February, 1964) was awarded the George List of disasters in Australia by death tollThe second HMAS Voyager (D04 was a ''Daring'' class destroyer laid down by the Cockatoo Docks and Engineering Company Hugh Randall Syme GC, GM & Bar ( 20 February[[ 903]] - 7 November[[ 965]] was an Australian naval officer Bomb disposal operative and George Anthony Morgan Taylor ( October 30, 1917 &ndash 1972 was awarded the George Cross for gallantry. Volcanology (also spelled vulcanology) is the study of Volcanoes, Lava, Magma, and related geological and Geophysical phenomena Royal Australian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RANVR is a defunct reserve force of the Royal Australian Navy. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including Courage of a different sort was displayed by two prisoners of war (Madden and Matthews) who endured terrible suffering without flinching, with Madden dying of privations while assisting fellow prisoners, and Matthews eventually being executed by his captors for building a resistance network. The last Australian to be awarded the GC (in 1978), and the most recent surviving civilian recipient, was Constable Michael Pratt of the Victoria Police, Melbourne, for arresting two armed bank robbers in June 1976. For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Australia topics. Melbourne ( is the second most populous city in Australia, with a Metropolitan area population of approximately 3 A memorial to Australian recipients was opened in the Capital, Canberra, on 4 April 2001 by the Governor General of Australia, Sir William Deane. Canberra ( is the capital city of Australia With a population of over 340000 it is Australia's largest inland City. Events 1581 - Francis Drake completes a circumnavigation of the world and is knighted by Elizabeth I. Year 2001 ( MMI) was a Common year starting on Monday according to the Gregorian calendar. The Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia is the representative in Australia of the monarch of Australia (currently Elizabeth II Queen of Australia) Sir William Patrick Deane, AC, KBE, QC (born 4 January 1931) Australian judge and 22nd Governor-General of Australia. George Cross Park is in Blamey Crescent bounded by Moten Street, Campbell. Field Marshal Sir Thomas Albert Blamey GBE, KCB, CMG, DSO, ED, ( 24 January 1884 – 27 Campbell ( postcode: 2612 is a suburb of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.

The George Cross is no longer awarded to Australians. The Queen of Australia established the Cross of Valour in 1975 to be awarded by the Australian Crown "only for acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme peril". TalkCommonewalth realm.-->The monarchy The Cross of Valour is Australia 's highest civilian award for bravery This is now used instead of the George Cross.

Annuity

Holders of the George Cross or Victoria Cross are entitled to an annuity, the amount of which is determined by the awarding government. An annuity contract is a Financial product typically offered by a Financial institution, that may accumulate value and take a current value and pay it out over [28] Since 2002, the annuity paid by the British government is £1,495 per year. The Pound Sterling ( symbol £; ISO code: GBP) subdivided into 100 pence (singular penny) is the Currency [4] As at January 2005, under the Canadian Gallantry Awards Order, members of the Canadian Forces, or people who joined the British forces before 31 March 1949 while domiciled in Canada or Newfoundland, receive $3,000 per year. The Canadian Forces (CF ( French: Forces canadiennes) are the unified Armed forces of Canada, governed by the National Defence Events 307 - After divorcing his wife Minervina, Constantine marries Fausta, the daughter of the retired Roman Emperor Year 1949 ( MCMXLIX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. [4] For Australian holders, the amount is determined by clause 11A1. 2 of the Australian Defence Force Pay and Conditions, and as of January 2005 is $250 per year. The Australian Defence Force (ADF is the military organisation responsible for the defence of Australia The Australian dollar ( sign: $; code: AUD) is the Currency of the Commonwealth of Australia, including Christmas

Restriction of Use

As of 1943 in accordance with the George Cross (Restriction of Use) Ordinance, in Malta it is unlawful to use the George Cross or an imitation of it or the words George Cross, for the purposes of trade or business without the authorisation of the Prime Minister. Malta, officially the Republic of Malta (Repubblika ta' Malta is a European Microstate, comprising an Archipelago of three islands The Prime Minister of Malta is the Head of Government of Malta.

Notes

  1. ^ Although certain Commonwealth Realms have now instituted their own indigenous honours systems, replacing the GC and other Commonwealth awards so far as their citizens are concerned. A Commonwealth realm is any one of 16 sovereign states within the Commonwealth of Nations that each have Elizabeth II as their respective Monarch
  2. ^ Mackay, J. (Author), Mussell, P. (Author), Mussell, J. W. (Editor), (2005), The Medal Yearbook 2006, (Token Publishing Ltd: Devon)
  3. ^ British Gallantry Medals, p. 138
  4. ^ a b c George Cross Database. Retrieved on 12 September 2007. Events 1213 - Albigensian Crusade: Simon de Montfort 5th Earl of Leicester, defeats Peter II of Aragon at the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  5. ^ London Gazette: no. 35060, pages 622–624, 31 January 1941. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 1504 - France cedes Naples to Aragon. 1606 - Gunpowder Plot: Guy Fawkes Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-01-10. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 49 BC - Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon, signaling the start of civil war.
  6. ^ British Gallantry Awards, p. 138
  7. ^ a b George Cross Database. Retrieved on 12 September 2007. Events 1213 - Albigensian Crusade: Simon de Montfort 5th Earl of Leicester, defeats Peter II of Aragon at the Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  8. ^ London Gazette, No. 35060 - Warrant, Fifth clause
  9. ^ Which could not therefore be recognised by a military decoration, given that they typically require gallantry in the face of the enemy.
  10. ^ London Gazette, No. 35060 - Warrant, Second clause
  11. ^ London Gazette, 31 January 1941 - Warrant, Eighth clause
  12. ^ One miniature replica signifying a single award. In the event of a second award of the GC (the award of a bar), a second replica would be worn on the ribbon, and so on for further awards. A medal bar or medal clasp is a thin metal bar attached to the ribbon of a Military decoration, Civil decoration, or other Medal. London Gazette, No. 35060 - Warrant, Seventh clause
  13. ^ London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 58182, pages 17352–17353, 15 December 2006. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 533 - Byzantine general Belisarius defeats the Vandals, commanded by King Gelimer, at the Battle of Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-01-10. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 49 BC - Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon, signaling the start of civil war.
  14. ^ London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 57935, pages 7191–4192, 24 March 2006. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 1401 - Mongol emperor Timur sacks Damascus. 1603 - James VI of Scotland Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2007-12-19. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 324 - Licinius abdicates his position as Roman Emperor.
  15. ^ London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 57100, page 1, 30 October 2003. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 637 - Antioch surrenders to the Muslim forces under Rashidun Caliphate after the Battle of Iron bridge. Year 2003 ( MMIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2007-12-19. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 324 - Licinius abdicates his position as Roman Emperor.
  16. ^ London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 52837, pages 2783–2784, 17 February 1992. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 1500 - Battle of Hemmingstedt. 1600 - Philosopher Giordano Bruno is burned alive at Campo de' Fiori Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) Retrieved on 2008-01-10. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 49 BC - Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon, signaling the start of civil war.
  17. ^ London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 37693, page 4175, 16 August 1946. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 1384 - The Hongwu Emperor of Ming China, Emperor Dong hears a case of a couple who tore paper money bills while fighting Year 1946 ( MCMXLVI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-05-27. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 927 - Simeon the Great, Tsar of Bulgaria, dies 1120 - Richard III of Capua is anointed
  18. ^ London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 37820, page 6127, 13 December 1946. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 1294 - Saint Celestine V abdicates the papacy after only five months Celestine hoped to return to his previous life Year 1946 ( MCMXLVI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-05-27. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 927 - Simeon the Great, Tsar of Bulgaria, dies 1120 - Richard III of Capua is anointed
  19. ^ London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 38578, page 1703, 5 April 1949. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 456 - St Patrick returns to Ireland as a missionary bishop Year 1949 ( MCMXLIX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2007-11-16. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 534 - A second and final revision of the Codex Justinianus is published
  20. ^ London Gazette: no. 44913, page 8211, 7 August 1969. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 322 BC - Battle of Crannon between Athens and Macedon following the death of Alexander the Great. Year 1969 ( MCMLXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-05-16. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 1204 - Baldwin IX Count of Flanders is crowned as the first Emperor of the Latin Empire.
  21. ^ Such collective awards have only been bestowed on three occasions—two separate awards of the George Cross to Malta and the RUC and one award of the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross to the Royal Irish Regiment. The Conspicuous Gallantry Cross ( CGC) is a second level Military decoration of the United Kingdom armed forces.
  22. ^ The Siege of Malta in World War Two. Retrieved on April 15, 2007. Events 1450 - Battle of Formigny: Toward the end of the Hundred Years' War, the French attack and nearly annihilate English Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century.
  23. ^ London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 37771, page 5307, 25 October 1946. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 1147 - The Portuguese, under Afonso I, and Crusaders from England and Flanders conquer Lisbon after a Year 1946 ( MCMXLVI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-05-27. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 927 - Simeon the Great, Tsar of Bulgaria, dies 1120 - Richard III of Capua is anointed
  24. ^ London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 42162, page 6849, 7 October 1960. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 3761 BC - The epoch (origin of the modern Hebrew calendar ( Proleptic Julian calendar) Year 1960 ( MCMLX) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-05-27. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 927 - Simeon the Great, Tsar of Bulgaria, dies 1120 - Richard III of Capua is anointed
  25. ^ London Gazette: no. 45588, page 1281, 1 February 1972. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 1327 - Teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Year 1972 ( MCMLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-05-27. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 927 - Simeon the Great, Tsar of Bulgaria, dies 1120 - Richard III of Capua is anointed
  26. ^ London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 36707, page 4333, 15 September 1944. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 668 - Eastern Roman Emperor Constans II is assassinated in his bath at Syracuse Italy. Year 1944 ( MCMXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-05-27. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 927 - Simeon the Great, Tsar of Bulgaria, dies 1120 - Richard III of Capua is anointed
  27. ^ London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 47582, page 8045, 3 July 1978. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 324 - Battle of Adrianople Constantine I defeats Licinius, who flees to Byzantium. Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) Retrieved on 2008-01-10. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 49 BC - Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon, signaling the start of civil war.
  28. ^ London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 43684, page 5693, 11 June 1965. The London Gazette is one of the official journals of record of the British government, and the most important among such official journals in the UK in which certain Events 1184 BC - Trojan War: Troy is sacked and burned according to the calculations of Eratosthenes. Year 1965 ( MCMLXV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1965 Gregorian calendar. Retrieved on 2008-01-10. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Events 49 BC - Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon, signaling the start of civil war. - Warrant, Fourteenth clause

Bibliography

See also

External links

This article concerns the orders and decorations of the Commonwealth realms awarded by the sovereign in right of each nation The George Cross ( GC) is the highest Civil decoration of the Commonwealth of Nations. The George Cross ( GC) is the highest Civil decoration of the Commonwealth of Nations. The George Medal ( GM) is the second level Civil decoration of the United Kingdom and Commonwealth. The Cross of St George, or simply the George's Cross, was until 1913 officially known as the Sign of Distinction of the Military Order of St The St George's Cross (or the Cross of St George is a centred red cross on a white background England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland List of flags of Malta The Flag of Malta is a basic bi-colour with white in the hoist and red in the fly colours from the blazon of the arms of Malta Soham is a small Town in the English county of Cambridgeshire. Events 455 - The Vandals enter Rome, and plunder the city for two weeks Year 1944 ( MCMXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Events 455 - The Vandals enter Rome, and plunder the city for two weeks Year 1944 ( MCMXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
© 2009 citizendia.org; parts available under the terms of GNU Free Documentation License, from http://en.wikipedia.org
 Dapyx Software network: MP3 Explorer | Ebook Manager | Zenithic