description Victoria Cross (UK) Overview
The Victoria Cross is Britain’s highest award for military valour. Instituted in 1856 during the Crimean War, it recognizes exceptional bravery and self-sacrifice by soldiers facing extreme danger. Fewer than 1,400 individuals have received this honour, primarily awarded to those serving within the British Army and Royal Navy. It represents the nation’s ultimate recognition of courage in combat.
help Victoria Cross (UK) FAQ
What is the Victoria Cross made of?
The UK Victoria Cross is traditionally cast from the bronze of Russian cannons captured during the Siege of Sevastopol in the Crimean War. This historic metal is carefully maintained by the crown jewellers, Hancocks of London, who have crafted every single medal by hand since 1856.
When was the British Victoria Cross established?
The Victoria Cross was officially instituted on January 29, 1856, by Queen Victoria to honor acts of valor during the Crimean War. It was introduced because, prior to its creation, there was no formal military award open to all ranks for extreme bravery.
Who was the first person to receive the Victoria Cross?
The first recipient of the Victoria Cross was a British sailor named Charles Lucas, who later rose to the rank of Rear-Admiral. He earned the medal on June 21, 1854, during the Crimean War when he threw a live Russian shell overboard before it could explode on the deck of his ship.
Is the Victoria Cross sold for money?
While it is illegal to deface or destroy a Victoria Cross, private collectors do occasionally purchase them at auction, sometimes for hundreds of thousands of pounds. However, the British government has previously used temporary export bans to ensure historically significant medals remain in the United Kingdom.
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