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The George Cross

Awarded for acts of the greatest heroism of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger. The Cross is intended primarily for civilians and award in the military services is to be confined to actions for which purely military honours are not normally granted and awarded for actions not in the face of the enemy.

By the terms of a Royal Warrant of January 1941, the George Cross replaced the Empire Gallantry Medal. Holders of the EGM received the George Cross in exchange. By a Royal Warrant of December 1971, living recipients of the Albert and Edward Medals were permitted to exchange these medals for the George Cross.

Bar: For additional acts of gallantry; none awarded as of 1983.

Obverse: St. George slaying a dragon within an annulus bearing the legend FOR GALLANTRY. The Royal Cypher GVI in each of the four corners of the cross with the VI inside a wide G.

Description: Geneva Cross; 1.8 inches wide, silver.

Reverse: Plain except for the naming.

Mounting: Straight Laureled silver bar with the cross and the bar joined by a small silver ring which passes through the ring lugs of the medal and bar.

Naming: Name, rank, Service, (Serial Number if not commissioned) and the date of the notification in the London Gazette.

Ribbon: 1 1/2 inches; Garter Blue; small cross always worn on ribbon as per the Victoria Cross. Women wear the medal from a bow.

Total Issued as of 1983: 9 to Canadians.

Examples

Cpl James Hendry, LAC Karl Gravell, LAC Ken Spooner, A/Sgt. John Rennie, F/O Rod Gray - all received the medal posthumously.

LAC Ernie Frost - had his Empire Gallantry Medal converted to a George Cross.

A/C A.D. Ross, G.C., O.B.E. - lost his right hand while rescuing a rear gunner from a burning aircraft

The Victoria Cross
The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (Companion)

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