The Victoria Cross The Victoria Cross was instituted by Queen
Victoria in 1856. It was originally made from the bronze of
cannon captured during the Crimean War. It consists of a bronze
cross, 1.5 inches (38mm) across with raised edges with the words
For Valour on the front. The back of the clasp is inscribed with
the name, rank and regiment (or ship) of the recipient. The
ribbon is crimson but before WW1, naval VC ribbons were blue.
The actual monetary cost of the medal is only a few pence but in
every other way it is priceless and is the most highly prized
decoration of any serviceman. It takes precedence over all other
decorations and distinctions. From 1914 to 1918 there were 415
VCs awarded, 124 posthumously. The Australian Imperial Force was
awarded 63 VCs (14 posthumous). The Canadian Expeditionary Force
was awarded 62 VCs (22 posthumous). The New Zealand
Expeditionary Force won 12 VCs (3 posthumous). The South African
Expeditionary Force won 4 VCs and last but not least, the Indian
Army won 18 VCs (6