Decorations 1

Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation

British Awards, Honours and Decorations - page 1

The illustrations on this page are provided courtesy of Worcestershire Medal Services Ltd. This section is not intended to give a definitive list of all British Honours and Awards, merely to illustrate the main awards which will be mentioned in the biographical pages.

This section is in four parts: -

1. British Decorations, 2. British Orders of Chivalry, 3. Medal Ribbons and 4. Foreign Orders and Awards

Decorations for Gallantry and Leadership

Victoria Cross VC RAF personnel awarded the VC		The highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy, which can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth forces. It can be awarded to all ranks. Instituted: 1856 Numbers awarded to RAF - 31 The only RAF officers to receive this award who later attained Air Rank were: - Air Commodore F W FWest, Air Commodore H I Edwards
George Cross GC For more details about the award of the GC: - RAF personnel awarded the GC		This is the highest award of gallantry available to civilians and to members of the armed forces when not in direct contact with the enemy. The GM is awarded for acts not considered as warranting the award of the George Cross Instituted: 1940 The only Air Officer to have received this award is: - Air Vice Marshal Sir Laurance Sinclair
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross CGC		This award was introduced as a step to removing distinctions of rank in the award of decorations. It replace the DSO for gallantry as well as the GCM and the DCM. Instituted: 1993
Distinguished Service Order DSO		Originally intended to be awarded to officers below field rank for acts of gallantry not considered to warrant the VC. From 1993 it was to be awarded for 'Leadership' acts of gallantry being rewarded with the CGC. Instituted: 1886
Distinguished Service Cross DSC		Originally awarded to Naval officers below Lieutenant Commander ineligible for the award of the DSO. From 1993 ratings have also been eligible to receive this award. Instituted: 1901 (as Conspicuous Service Cross, renamed - 1914)
Military Cross MC		Awarded to junior Army officers and Warrant Officers, it could also be awarded to RAF officers whilst serving on the ground. From 1993 all ranks have been eligible to receive this award. Instituted: 1914
Distinguished Flying Cross DFC		This was introduced to replace the MC for RAF officers after its formation in 1918. It is awarded for acts of gallantry in the face of the enemy. From 1993 all ranks have been eligible to receive this award. Instituted: 1918
Air Force Cross AFC		This was introduced to replace the MC for RAF officers after its formation in 1918. It is awarded for acts of gallantry in non operational spheres and for meritorious service on flying duties . From 1993 all ranks have been eligible to receive this award. Instituted: 1918
Albert Medal AM		Two recipients of the award reached Air Rank: - Marshal of the RAF Lord Newall Air Commodore C C Darley

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