The Distinguished Flying Cross

The Distinguished Flying Cross was instituted by Royal Warrant on 3 June 1918 and was awarded to officers and warrant officers of the Royal Air Force and other services for ‘an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying in active operations against the enemy’. Just over 1,100 DFCs were awarded during the […]

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The Distinguished Flying Medal

The Distinguished Flying Medal (DFM) was instituted by Royal Warrant on 3 June 1918 and was awarded to non-commissioned officers and men of the Royal Air Force for ‘an act or acts of valour, courage or devotion to duty performed whilst flying in active operations against the enemy’. Issued to just 104 recipients during World War One, […]

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The Military Cross

The Military Cross was instituted by King George V on 28 December 1914 and was awarded to junior army officers – those holding the rank of captain and below – and warrant officers of the British and Dominion forces for gallantry in the field. More than 37,000 were issued during the First World war, with four […]

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British Gallantry Awards of the First World War

In addition to the various campaign medals that were instituted for issue to members of the British Armed Forces for operational service during the First World War, there were also a number of decorations that could be awarded for acts of conspicuous gallantry and/or distinguished and meritorious service. These medals were normally awarded to recognise […]

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The Military Medal

Instituted by Royal Warrant on 25 March 1916, and subsequently backdated to August 1914, the Military Medal was awarded to warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the British Army and Commonwealth Forces to recognise acts of bravery in the field. Approximately 115,000 were awarded during World War One, including a small number to both Royal Navy […]

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