---

Ministry of Defence

Answer

Mr. Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement about (a) the criteria and (b) the procedure for awarding the Victoria Cross. [28214] Dr. Moonie: The Victoria Cross is awarded for most conspicuous gallantry of the highest order during active operations{1}. As such it is the highest award available for operational gallantry. Lesser degrees of operational gallantry are recognised by awards of the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, Distinguished Service Cross, Military Cross, Distinguished Flying Cross and a Mention in Despatches. Recommendations for any of these awards are initiated by the service man's or service woman's Commanding Officer and considered by Committees at various levels in the Ministry of Defence. The Committees consist mainly of senior officers of all three services who will have had considerable operational experience. Successful recommendations are passed to the Queen for her approval. The awards are then published and recipients invited to a State Investiture where they are invested by the Queen or her representative. The Victoria Cross along with the other awards for operational gallantry may be awarded to all ranks of the naval, military and air forces of the United Kingdom, all members of the Merchant Navy and civilians serving under the orders of any of the above forces. All these awards may be made posthumously. {1} This is expanded on in the Third Clause of the Royal Warrant for The Victoria Cross which reads: "It is ordained that the Cross shall only be awarded for most conspicuous bravery, or some daring or pre-eminent act of valour or self-sacrifice or extreme devotion to duty in the presence of the enemy".

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

28214; 378 c554W;378 c550W

Session

2001-02

Subjects

Eligibility Military decorations Victoria Cross

Link

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