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Prime Minister

Answer

Andrew George: To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what categories of gallantry honour are awarded by the United Kingdom. [79547] The Prime Minister: I am replying to this question as it relates to matters for which I am responsible. In addition to the various categories of gallantry honour available to the Services and the Armed Forces, there are four levels of award for civilian gallantry: _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Level 1 The George Cross1 This award is granted only for actions of gallantry of the greatest heroism or for the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger. It may be granted posthumously but is restricted to British subjects. Level 2 The George Medal This award is granted for gallantry of an extremely high order. It may be granted posthumously and is not restricted to British subjects. Level 3 The Queen's Gallantry Medal This award is granted for gallantry of a high order. It may be granted posthumously and is not restricted to British subjects. Level 4 The Queen's Commendation for Bravery and The Queen's Commendation for Bravery in the Air These awards are granted for gallantry not up to the foregoing standard but entailing risk to life and meriting national recognition. Both awards may be granted posthumously and are not restricted to British subjects. _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Note: 1 The Victoria Cross is the first level military award for gallantry, and the standard set for the GC should reflect a similar degree of heroism. (The military Conspicuous Gallantry Cross is the military equivalent to the GM; the DSC, Military Cross and DFC to the QGM; and Mention-in-despatches to the Queen's Commendation.)

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

392 c399-400W;392 c397W; 79547

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Medals George Cross Victoria Cross

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk