150 Years of the Victoria Cross
The year 2006 marks the 150th anniversary of the Royal Warrant that established the Victoria Cross (VC), the most famous gallantry award in the world. This online exhibition looks at the history of the VC and a selection of the remarkable men who were awarded this most prestigious of awards.
All the supporting images displayed here are from the collections of the National Army Museum. The Museum currently possesses 39 VCs and holds archives, photographs, works of art, items of equipment and uniform relating to many other holders of the bronze cross.
NAM 1978-09-22
Captain Francis Grenfell
Captain Francis Grenfell, 9th Lancers, winning the VC at Audregnies, France, 24 August 1914. Grenfell led a charge against German infantry who were advancing to encircle the guns of the 119th Battery, Royal Field Artillery. Grenfell was later killed in action on 25 May 1915.
Open to all
As well as being the highest award for gallantry, the VC is the most democratic of awards. There is no barrier of colour, creed, sex or rank. It is therefore fitting that the winners of the bronze cross have come from all social backgrounds and from all over the British Empire and Commonwealth. The VC was not approached in status until 1940 when the George Cross (GC) was instituted for non-operational acts of gallantry.
NAM 1974-09-79-161
Naik Nand Singh
Naik Nand Singh, 1st Battalion, 11th Sikh Regiment, won the VC in Burma on 11/12 March 1944 after leading his section up a steep ridge under heavy machine-gun fire and capturing a heavily defended trench system. He was seriously wounded during the engagement.
Most recent VC
Since its inception in 1856, 1357 VCs have been awarded. The most recent award (the first ever of the Victoria Cross for New Zealand) was in 2007 to Corporal Bill Apiata of the Special Air Service of New Zealand for carrying a wounded comrade 70 metres over rocky ground while under heavy machine-gun fire during the Afghan conflict in 2004.
Winning the VC
Sergeant Ramage, Scots Greys, winning the VC at the Battle of Balaclava, 1854. NAM 1973-02-10-9
A recommendation for the VC is normally issued by an officer at regimental level and has to be supported by three witnesses. In the past the recommendation was passed up the military hierarchy until it reached first the Secretary of State for War and then the monarch. Today, Royal assent is still required and VCs are presented by the monarch.
Ballot
The original warrant also stated that the VC could be awarded by ballot if a large body of men, such as a battalion, all performed the act of bravery.
Sergeant Hartigan, 9th Lancers, winning the VC at Badle-ke-Serai during the Indian Mutiny, 1857. NAM 1973-02-10-7
Normally, the officers engaged selected one of their number to receive the cross, and likewise one petty officer or NCO and two seamen or private soldiers were selected by their equals.
On occasion, controversy has surrounded the award of the VC because of arguments over the definition of valour or the suspicion that crosses were awarded or withheld for reasons of political expediency. Despite such differences of opinion the Victoria Cross has retained its prestige and iconic status with soldiers and the public.
