Victoria Cross

The Victoria Cross (official post-nominal letters VC) is the highest award for valour that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces of any rank in any service and civilians under military command. It is only awarded for bravery "in the face of the enemy".

Historical background

The VC was first issued on January 29 1856, recognising acts of valour during the Crimean War of 1854-1855. All VCs are cast from the bronze cascabels of two cannon of Chinese origin that were captured from the Russians at the siege of Sevastopol, although during the First World War metal from guns captured from the Chinese during the Boxer Rebellion was also used. The barrels of the cannon in question are stationed outside the Officers' Mess at the Royal Artillery Barracks at Woolwich. The remaining portion of the only remaining cascabel, weighing 358 oz, is stored in a vault by 15 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps at Donnington. It is estimated that approximately 80-85 medals could be cast from this source. A single company of jewellers, Hancocks of London, has been responsible for the production of every VC awarded since the medal's inception.

Related Topics:
January 29 - 1856 - Crimean War - 1854 - 1855 - Bronze - Cascabel - Cannon - Chinese - Russia - Sevastopol - First World War - Royal Artillery Barracks - Woolwich - Royal Logistic Corps - Donnington

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~