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George Cross (GC)
TERMSThe cross was awarded for an act of the greatest heroism or of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger. It was intended primarily for civilians and award in the military services was confined to actions for which purely military honours were not normally granted and awarded for actions not in the face of the enemy. The Empire Gallantry awards were exchanged for the George Cross, and in 1971, Albert Medal winners exchanged their medals for the George Cross.BARA bar was to be awarded for additional acts of gallantry; none were ever issued.DESCRIPTIONA silver Geneva Cross, 1.8 inches wide.OBVERSEIn the centre of the cross is a circular medallion showing St. George slaying the dragon and around this an annulus bearing the legend FOR GALLANTRY. In the angle of each limb of the cross, the Royal Cypher GVI forming a circle concentric with the medallion.REVERSEThe reverse is plain except for the naming.MOUNTINGA straight silver, laurel bar, slotted for the ribbon, with a ring lug below, made in one piece is joined to the cross by a small silver ring which passes through the ring lugs of the bar and the top of the medal.NAMINGThe name, rank and service (serial number for those not commissioned) and the date of notification in the London Gazette are shown on the reverse of the cross.RIBBONThe garter blue ribbon is 1.5 inches wide. A miniature cross is worn on the ribbon in undress. Women may wear their cross from a bow.DATEThe George Cross was created on 24 September 1940 and published in the London Gazette on 31 January 1941.ISSUEDThere have been 10 crosses awarded to Canadians; 8 military, 1 Merchant Navy, and 1 woman.EXAMPLESASHBURNHAM-RUFFNER, Doreen (Converted from AM)BASTIAN, Gordon (Converted from AM) FROST, Ernest (Converted from EGM) GRAVELL, Karl, RCAF GRAY, Roderick, RCAF HENDRY, James, Canadian Army PATTON, John, Canadian Army RENNIE, John, Canadian Army ROSS, Arthur, RCAF SPOONER, Kenneth, RCAF |
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