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The Victoria Cross, instituted 1856 by Queen Victoria, is the COMMONWEALTH's premier military decoration for gallantry. It is awarded in recognition of the most exceptional bravery displayed in the presence of the enemy, although in rare instances the decoration has been given to mark other courageous acts. The first recipients saw action in the Crimean War. Among them a Canadian lieutenant, Alexander Roberts DUNN, won the VC for heroism during the charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaklava.
Over the years, Canada's recipients (living and posthumous) have totalled 94, including Canadians who were attached to the forces of other Commonwealth countries and some non-Canadians serving in Canadian units. The decoration is in the form of a bronze cross patée bearing the royal crest and the words "For Valour." The ribbon is dark crimson. The awarding of the medal was dropped in 1972 when the Canadian bravery awards were created; however, in Apr 1987 Brian Mulroney's Conservative government asked the deputy director of the Chancellory of Canadian Orders and Decorations to consider its reinstatement. As a result, on 2 February 1993 Queen Elizabeth II approved the creation of a Canadian VC. The award has the same criteria as the original British decoration. The Canadian VC resembles the original VC except that the Latin inscription Pro Valore replaces the equivalent English inscription "For Valour." No Canadian VCs have yet been awarded. See also HONOURS.
 Victoria CrossThe Victoria Cross, instituted 1856 by Queen Victoria, is the Commonwealth's premier military decoration for gallantry. It is awarded in recognition of the most exceptional bravery displayed in the presence of the enemy.
 Victoria Cross, CanadianThe awarding of the original Victoria Cross was suspended in Canada in 1972, but on 2 February 1993 Queen Elizabeth II approved the creation of a Canadian VC. In design it resembles the original except for the Latin inscription.
 O'Rourke, Michael JamesO' Rourke won the Victoria Cross in the course of the battle to capture Hill 70 near Lens, France August 1917. For three days and nights O'Rourke, a stretcher bearer, worked to bring the wounded to safety (courtesy Canadian War Museum/8163).
 Hall, WilliamBorn in Horton Bluff, NS, Hall won the Victoria Cross (courtesy Library and Archives Canada).
 Major David CurrieMajor David Currie (second from right, pistol in hand) oversees the surrender of German soldiers in Saint Lambert-sur-Dives, 19 August 1944. Currie was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions that day (courtesy Library and Archives Canada/PA-111565).
Author
CARL LOCHNAN
Links to Other Sites
Canadian Military Medals and Decorations
This site is dedicated to the history, meaning, and significance of Canadian Medals and Decorations. From Veterans Affairs Canada.
Canadian Virtual War Memorial
Search this online registry of information about the graves and memorials of more than 116,000 Canadians and Newfoundlanders who gave their lives for their country. From Veterans Affairs Canada.
Legion Magazine
Search Legion Magazine website for online feature articles about Canadian military history.
Canada's Victoria Cross
An illustrated article about the history of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. From the website for the Department of National Defence.
Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski VC
This Virtual Museum website is dedicated to RCAF Pilot Officer Andrew Mynarski. Features artifacts retrieved from his crashed Lancaster bomber.
The Valiants
This Ottawa memorial honours fourteen valiant men and women who gave outstanding wartime service to Canada.
William Hall (1829-1904)
A detailed biography of William Hall, the son of African American refugees who settled in Nova Scotia after the War of 1812. During the Indian Mutiny, Hall became the first Canadian winner of the naval Victoria Cross. He was the third Canadian to win the Victoria Cross. From Nova Scotia Archives & Records Management. A pdf file.
Gov. Gen, PM unveil Canadian Victoria Cross
A CBC article about the unveiling of the Canadian Victoria Cross.
The Canadian Military and the Victoria Cross
This document profiles previous Canadian recipients of the Victoria Cross and describes the creation of the Canadian Victoria Cross. From the website for the Governor General of Canada. A PDF file.
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