History

The George Cross was created by King George VI at the beginning of the Second World War. The Royal Warrant was issued on September 24th, 1940 and published in the London Gazette on January 31, 1941. It was created to fill the gap of an award to recognize all citizens of Great Britain and the Commonwealth and remains the second highest distinction in the United Kingdom.

It is awarded to civilians of the United Kingdom in recognition of bravery and gallantry in the face of extreme danger, as well as to military personnel in recognition of gallantry in extreme danger when no other award is suitable. It may also be awarded posthumously. It was originally awarded to citizens of the Commonwealth, but these countries have since established their own awards for gallantry. The Cross may be awarded multiple times to the same recipient in which case the additional awards are denoted by a ribbon clasp.

When the Cross was first established, all living recipients of the Empire Gallantry Medal, as well as next-of-kin of recipients who were awarded the Cross after September 1, 1939, were ordered to exchange their medals for the George Cross. Additionally, in 1971, all living recipients of the Albert Medal and the Edward Medal were invited to exchange their medals for the George Cross.

Recipients are entitled to use the post-nominal letters GC, and since the amendment of June 15, 1965, they have been entitled to an annuity.

Men wear the cross on a ribbon worn on the left breast, and women wear the cross from a bow on the left shoulder.