Victoria Cross: Difference between revisions

[[File:Victoria Cross Medal without Bar.png|thumb|right|180px200px|The Victoria Cross]]

The '''Victoria Cross''' (VC) was introduced by Queen Victoria on 29 January 1856 during the Crimean War<ref name="wikivc">[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria_Cross Victoria Cross] Wikipedia: The free encyclopaedia. Accessed 28 August, 2016.</ref> and since then has recognized "acts of extreme bravery carried out under direct enemy fire."<ref name="iwm">''[http://www.iwm.org.uk/sites/default/files/public-document/Facts_and_Figures_VC_GC.pdf Facts and figures about the Victoria Cross and George Cross]'' Imperial War Museum, London. Press Release. Accessed 28 August, 2016.</ref> Awarded to any military rank, it is the highest award of the honours system in the United Kingdom for acts of gallantry. Previously, the VC was awarded to members of all Commonwealth countries, however, most no longer use the long-standing British award, having now established their own honours systems.<ref name="wikivc" /> Since introduction it has been awarded to 1,354 recipients &ndash; although it has been awarded 1,358 times.<ref name="iwm" />

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