The only soldier to be awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) twice during World War One was a doctor, a sportsman and the son of the Bishop of Liverpool. Noel Chavasse is one of only three men to win the medal twice since it became the highest award for gallantry in 1856. "Gee! He did work!
The Victoria Cross warrant was not officially amended to explicitly allow posthumous awards until 1920, but one quarter of all awards for the First World War were posthumous. Three people have been awarded the VC and Bar, which is a medal for two actions; Noel Chavasse, Arthur Martin-Leake and Charles Upham.
Of the 1,350 Victoria Cross medals awarded to date, Irish people have received 190 awards - the highest tally of any country, bar England (614) thus honoured. Scotland emerge in third place in the roll of honour with 158 awards and Australia comes next with 97 awards.
It is not statutory for "all ranks to salute a bearer of the Victoria Cross": There is no official requirement that appears in the official warrant of the VC, nor in Queen's Regulations and Orders, but tradition dictates that this occurs and, consequently, senior officers will salute a private awarded a VC or GC.
The award is especially given to persons who, in the presence of the enemy, display the most conspicuous gallantry; a daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice; or extreme devotion to duty. The Victoria Cross had its origins in the Crimean War.
The Canadian Sacrifice Medal, created 14 months ago, is perhaps best compared to the US Purple Heart. It is awarded to those who have been wounded or killed in combat, and was introduced in 2008 by Elizabeth II to replace the Wound Stripe.
At present, those awarded a VC or GC recipients receive a small annuity, worth £2,129 last year. The VC and GC are the two highest honours in the UK. The VC is awarded – often posthumously – to members of the armed forces from across the Commonwealth and previous British Empire territories for valour.
The awards of eight Victoria Cross recipients were forfeited between 1861 and 1908. Since 1920 when King George V expressed strong objections to the use of the forfeiture power no further awards have been forfeited. The power to cancel and restore awards is still included in the Victoria Cross warrant.
The George Cross has been awarded to four soldiers for their recent bravery in Afghanistan: o posthumously to Corporal Mark Wright of the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment in 2006 o Lance Corporal Matthew Croucher of 40 Commando, Royal Marines in 2008 o Staff Sergeant Kim Hughes of Royal Logistic Corps in 2010 o
Keith Payne, VC, AM (born 30 August 1933) is an Australian recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry "in the presence of the enemy" awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces. Payne's VC was awarded for his actions during the Vietnam War.
