I was initially a bit worried about some ambiguity in the BBC article - 'killed in action'/'killed in conflicts'/'those who die on operations'/'died in battle'
But the MoD link nails it:-
Ministry of Defence | Defence For... | Veterans | Medals | The Elizabeth Cross ? Died On Operations Recognition Award- Those who died from whatever cause whilst serving on a medal earning operation. Medal earning operations are those in which deployed personnel received a Campaign Medal, General Service Medal or Operational Service Medal which demonstrated the risk and rigour involved. Operations where a UN, NATO or other international body or other nations’ campaign medal was accepted for wear, in the absence of a UK medal also qualify.
- Those who died as a result of an act of terrorism where the available evidence suggests that the Service person, whether on or off duty, was targeted because of his or her membership of the UK Armed Forces.
- Those who died on a non-medal earning operational task where death has been caused by the inherent high risk of the task.
- Those who died a subsequent and premature death as a result of an injury or illness attributed to the circumstances outlined above.
But with the scroll and medal being issued to the NOK, I see the miniature being treated as a lapel badge.