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The George Cross (GC) is the highest award bestowed by the British government for non-operational gallantry or gallantry not in the presence of an enemy. In the British honours system, the George Cross, since its introduction in 1940, has been equal in stature to the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for valour.
The George Cross ( GC) is the second highest award of the United Kingdom honours system. It is awarded for gallantry not "in the presence of the enemy" to both members of the British armed forces and to British civilians. Posthumous awards have always been available.
NameRank (or Role)OrganisationAwardDeck HandRiver Traffic Police, Calcutta, BengalJun 27, 2024 · George Cross, a British civilian and military decoration, instituted in 1940 by King George VI for “acts of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger.”
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Jul 6, 2021 · The George Cross was instituted by King George VI in 1940 at a time of great difficulty for the nation, following the failure of the military campaign in Norway, the German advances into Denmark and the Netherlands, and the fall of France.
The George Cross was created on 24 September 1940. The George Cross recognises acts of extreme bravery carried out in peacetime when facing the perils of ordinary life and in wartime away from the heat of battle. Since 1940, 406 people have received the George Cross:
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The George Cross (GC) is the highest award bestowed by the British government for non-operational gallantry or gallantry not in the presence of an enemy. In the British honours system, the George Cross, since its introduction in 1940, has been equal in stature to the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for valour.
Originally instituted on 24th September 1940 by King George VI, the George Cross (GC) was intended primarily for civilians to reward their bravery. It remains the highest gallantry award available to civilians but can be awarded to members of the Armed Forces for actions where purely military honours would not normally be granted.
