Victoria Cross

The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest award for bravery that can be awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces. The VC was first issued in 1856, recognising acts of bravery during the Crimean War of 1854-1855. All VCs are made from the bronze of two Chinese cannons that were captured from the Russians at the of siege of Sevastopol. The medal bears the worlds For Valour.

Since its inception it has been awarded 1354 times. The largest number of VCs won in a single day was 24 on November 16 1857 at the relief of Lucknow. The largest number won in a single action was at Rorke's Drift on January 22 1879. Since the end of the Second World Warthe VC has only been awarded 11 times. The the last two were won during the Falklands War in 1982. Only three people, one in the 20th Century, have won the Victoria Cross twice. This is known as VC and Bar as person so awarded wears a small bar on the medal's ribbon instead of two medals.